Nutritionists and pediatricians offered tips on ways to address children’s diet and fitness issues:
Focus on health, not weight
Compliment your children on lifestyle behaviors like “Great snack choice” or “You really run fast” rather than on the loss of a pound or two, said Tanner-Blasiar, a registered dietitian.
Be a partner in health, not the police officer
It doesn’t work if a parent hovers and monitors what the child eats and his or her activities. Parents can improve the whole family’s health by not buying junk food, sugary drinks, avoiding fast foods and planning weekend activities for the entire family. Not being the police does not mean children get a free-for-all. Parents need to set firm limits, Robinson said.
Treat children equally
Even if one of your kids has issues related to obesity and another doesn’t, make sure one isn’t getting a cookie and the other is getting a stalk of broccoli. The disparity in treatment breeds resentment and negativity, experts said.
Create an open environment to discuss issues
Sudden fluctuations in weight may have nothing to do with food. The child could have emotional issues that trigger eating disorders, said Lynn Grefe, chief executive officer at the National Eating Disorders Association.
Move
Don’t just talk about eating right and exercising. Lead by example by making lifestyle changes as a family. Turn off TVs and computers. Look for ways to spend fun, active time together.
Here are things to avoid:
Don’t play the blame game
Avoid yelling, bribing, threatening or punishing children about weight, food or physical activity. These issues can turn into parent-child battlegrounds that breed shame and anger. The worse children feel about their weight, the more likely they are to overeat or develop an eating disorder.
Don’t label your children
Some parents give labels to their children. Tanner-Blasiar said she runs into families who label their children as the slow, fast, skinny or fat one. Be careful, she said, because sometimes kids “live up to their labels.”
Don’t criminalize the cupcake
An occasional treat is OK, as long as treats are eaten in moderation. Making something forbidden tends to have unintended effects.
Don’t disparage your own weight
Kids are always listening and internalizing what their parents say and do. Parents who belittle themselves and their own figures inadvertently could pass that on to their children.
Avoid the f-word
Getting to a healthy weight is not about becoming skinnier or prettier. Emphasize health over appearances.