How Are You Helping Your Kids Stay Healthy?

As a parent, you have a huge responsibility. And one of your most important undertakings is helping your kids to live in a healthy way. Unfortunately, there are many unhealthy distractions vying for your kids' attention, from an abundance of computer and video games that keep them sedentary for hours to commercials for junk food to the largely fried "kids meals" you'll find at many family restaurants. So how do you teach wellness in the face of all this opposition?

Remember that your behavior plays a big role in what your children do, so lead by example. The National Institutes of Health recommends that children, like adults, be active most if not all days of the week. At least an hour of moderate activity is optimal. So when you come home from work, don't sit on the couch and put your feet up.  Instead, try the following:

  • Suggest a walk together or a bike ride.
  • Toss around a ball in the yard.
  • Why not go retro and pull out a couple of jump ropes?
  • Break out the sidewalk chalk and teach your kids how to play hopscotch.

They'll be having so much fun they won't realize they're actually exercising.

When it comes to food, you have a lot of control. You can:

  • Bring your child to the market with you and encourage him to pick new fruits and vegetables to try.
  • Involve her in cooking the meal—maybe she can chop mushrooms while you grill the chicken—and ask for her input in meal planning.
  • Learn to cook with less fat, such as roasting instead of deep-frying, and use plenty of spices and herbs for flavor.
  • Skip the bottles of soda and sugary fruit juice and keep a pitcher of water on the table during dinner.
  • Offer fruits and other nutritious foods for dessert, but don't be too strict—an occasional cookie, bowl of ice cream or piece of cake is fine and lets your child know there's still room for some fun.

What if, despite your best efforts, your child develops a weight problem?  It's important for him to know that you love and respect him at any weight. Stress that you want him to be healthy, and gently teach him to handle life's problems without resorting to food. But don't restrict calories without first speaking to your doctor, as limiting childrens' food intake can impair their growth.