It is interesting how frequently families today rely on the education system to teach their kids all kinds of things other than just reading, writing and arithmetic. A lot of parents delegate the obligation for avoiding childhood obesity on the shoulders of the school board as well, assuming that gym classes and nutrition should be part of the school's curriculum so that children can continue to be fit and healthy. But this is a very shortsighted attitude by parents and one that is a surefire recipe for tragedy. To fight childhood obesity and to keep youngsters fit and healthy, there must be changes made in the home first and foremost.
One of the reasons that parents cannot trust the school systems to take care of this is that many school systems just cannot offer gym classes the way they once did. Our schools are usually overcrowded now days so the gymnasium needs to serve as a lunchroom for more hours than ever before. Without daily physical activity, childhood obesity is an almost sure thing. And just instructing a child about calories and fat and nutritional content of food does not mean that he or she is going to avoid junk food and fast food as well! Just knowing about these matters isn't motivation sufficient to assist a child take the choices needed to avoid childhood obesity.
A parent's illustration and what goes on in the home is definitely a better indicator of whether or not childhood obesity can be avoided. Children generally acquire lifestyle options and attitudes from their parents whether they're aware of it or not. Parents that are active and that always have activities to do will likely raise children that are active and busy as well. Those parents that sit on the couch all night and on the weekends could find childhood obesity a problem in their own home. This is because children are learning to be sedentary and inactive. When a parent takes the effort to prepare meals that are simple but nourishing a child will learn to value nutritious food and to take the extra time and effort needed to prepare such dishes. But when a parent is normally falling back on drive-through meals and other poor dietary options, a youngster may learn that such food is satisfactory. This also may lead to cases of childhood obesity in the home.
Adults too can set limits with their children when they're with them to help avoid childhood obesity. No one can completely control their child when they are on their own, but serving only nutritious meals and snacks while children are home will decrease any damage they may be doing by consuming junk at every other time! Many cases of childhood obesity are also linked to inactivity during the day and evening. With this in mind parents can schedule times to go to a zoo, aquarium, or other places where everybody walks around. Other way to help avert childhood obesity by biking, walking, playing catch, playing Frisbee, setting up a badminton net, or other activities that involve all the family members.
As a parent, you must take responsibility for the health of your child. This includes making sure that he/she gets proper nutrition along with adequate exercise. Without this, they may become one of the many kids that are falling thru the cracks into obesity. - 30224
One of the reasons that parents cannot trust the school systems to take care of this is that many school systems just cannot offer gym classes the way they once did. Our schools are usually overcrowded now days so the gymnasium needs to serve as a lunchroom for more hours than ever before. Without daily physical activity, childhood obesity is an almost sure thing. And just instructing a child about calories and fat and nutritional content of food does not mean that he or she is going to avoid junk food and fast food as well! Just knowing about these matters isn't motivation sufficient to assist a child take the choices needed to avoid childhood obesity.
A parent's illustration and what goes on in the home is definitely a better indicator of whether or not childhood obesity can be avoided. Children generally acquire lifestyle options and attitudes from their parents whether they're aware of it or not. Parents that are active and that always have activities to do will likely raise children that are active and busy as well. Those parents that sit on the couch all night and on the weekends could find childhood obesity a problem in their own home. This is because children are learning to be sedentary and inactive. When a parent takes the effort to prepare meals that are simple but nourishing a child will learn to value nutritious food and to take the extra time and effort needed to prepare such dishes. But when a parent is normally falling back on drive-through meals and other poor dietary options, a youngster may learn that such food is satisfactory. This also may lead to cases of childhood obesity in the home.
Adults too can set limits with their children when they're with them to help avoid childhood obesity. No one can completely control their child when they are on their own, but serving only nutritious meals and snacks while children are home will decrease any damage they may be doing by consuming junk at every other time! Many cases of childhood obesity are also linked to inactivity during the day and evening. With this in mind parents can schedule times to go to a zoo, aquarium, or other places where everybody walks around. Other way to help avert childhood obesity by biking, walking, playing catch, playing Frisbee, setting up a badminton net, or other activities that involve all the family members.
As a parent, you must take responsibility for the health of your child. This includes making sure that he/she gets proper nutrition along with adequate exercise. Without this, they may become one of the many kids that are falling thru the cracks into obesity. - 30224
About the Author:
For a free guide to healthful cooking, visit Facts About Childhood Obesity. For more information about some of the causes of childhood obesity visit Facts About Childhood Obesity.
