Did you know overweight kindergarteners are four times more likely to have obesity by 8th grade than those not overweight in kindergarten?1
Childhood obesity is a significant crisis in the United States and can put children at risk for other chronic diseases as they age. Because body weight can be a sensitive subject, help parents create a healthy home environment with practical strategies to encourage life-long healthy lifestyles and healthy weights for their kids.
Factors that may contribute to a child’s weight problems.
Genetics, poor eating habits and overall diet, a sedentary lifestyle, and poor sleep routines can all contribute to childhood obesity and prevent kids from maintaining a healthy weight. Children from families with lower incomes are also more likely to have obesity.
Help the parent create a positive and healthy home environment.
Most parents want their children to eat healthy and be physically active, but sometimes they need guidance and everyday strategies to help kids reach a healthy weight.
Start with small, simple steps to prevent the parent from feeling overwhelmed.
Is the parent a positive role model for healthy eating and physical activity?
Parents are their child’s most important role models. When parents eat healthy and move more, their children will too. Encourage families to eat together. Children that eat with their parents are more likely to eat fruits and veggies. And when the parent controls the menu, it’s easier for everyone to eat better.
Check out this downloadable Family Meals Made Easy client handout that includes a delicious, family-friendly, slow-cooker avocado chicken soup recipe.
As avocados are both delicious and can be added to healthy meals, they can be part of a recommended diet for maintaining a healthy weight in kids.
Avocados are kid friendly as they provide great taste, fun texture and contribute valuable nutrient
Promote health and prevent chronic disease by improving diet quality early in life when preferences and habits are formed.
Set boundaries with screen time and undistracted eating times.
Counsel parents to turn off the TV and cell phones at mealtime. Encourage them to focus on the meal by talking to them about what their food tastes like and what it feels like to be hungry or comfortably full. Discuss the importance of mindful eating and listening to their internal body cues. Less screen time can also lead to better sleep, better grades, and more time for fun, family-centered activities.
Involve the whole family in fun physical activities.
Most children should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Any changes the parents make will be much more accepted if the entire family participates. Encourage walking outside, playing sports in the backyard, swimming, and riding a bike.
Provide consistent sleep routines.
Discuss family sleep habits with the parents. Are the children getting enough sleep? Preschool-aged children need 11–13 hours of sleep per day. Children 6–12 years old need 9–12 hours of sleep a night, and teenagers need 8–10 hours. Lack of adequate sleep puts children at risk for weight gain. Encourage a consistent sleep schedule, including weekends.
Love One today® is the perfect turnkey resource for family-friendly recipes, client handouts, avocado research, and educational materials for you and your clients.
