Independence, kindness and manners are some of the things we strive to teach our children. Unfortunately, we fail to teach other vital lessons such as how to eat and the value of exercise. Your child’s views of food and exercise and attitudes towards activity and healthy eating are completely dependent on you. If any of the below apply to you, you may be setting a bad example for your children in regard to food.
#1 You have a weight problem
Risk of obesity is determined by factors such as DNA but children’s predisposition to being overweight depends on their parents weight. If you are overweight, your child is more likely to be overweight by as much as 50%. If both parents are overweight, your child is 75% more likely to be overweight too.
#2 You use food as a reward
” I’ll buy you a …… “insert favorite food here”
Ever told your child some version of that sentence? Using food as a reward sends confusing messages to children about the concept of eating. Junk food is usually given as reward for good behavior . They are likely to overindulge in these rewards when given the opportunity.
#3 Is junk food common in your house?
The presence of fast food outlets may not be the leading cause of obesity but the prevalence of snack food in homes. Homes with vast amounts of sugared beverages, salty snacks and candy desserts are likely to have obese children. Pregnant mothers who consume junk food make their baby more likely to crave sugary foods.
#4 You’re a couch potato
Moms who engage in physical activity usually have children who are physically active . Limit the amount of time your children spend in front of screens
#5 There is no mealtime in your house
Families with eating routines are less likely to have obese children. Kids who eat as a family also eat more healthy foods with fruits and vegetables than those from families with an anything goes attitude towards food.
Its never too late to shape and change your child and your eating habits. Recognize the problem and take steps to solve it, your kids and their kids will thank you for it.
Do you eat healthy in your house? Share your habits in the comment section
First published at www.huffingtonpost.com
Leave a Reply