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1. Set an Example
The most important thing to do as a parent is to set an example of a healthy lifestyle. Even young children object to the hypocrisy of eating right and exercise if you do not model that behavior yourself. If you aren't wearing seat belt, why should they? If they see you smoking and drinking alcohol, they are likely to try it, too. Imitation is the greatest form of flattery, so use this psychology to your advantage. Be the healthy, fit person you want your children to be, and you will be on your way to helping them do the same.
2. Family Meal Planning
Yes, this means healthy cooking and regular meal times, but it is not impossible! First, have your kids join you and help in the food shopping. Make this a fun adventure, not a dreaded chore or your kids will not respond well. Second, find simple recipes you can prepare as a family. Children are much more likely to eat something they picked out and cooked and not whine for pizza. Explain why you chose low-fat Italian dressing and not bleu cheese or how adding walnuts and cranberries will boost the nutrition of the salad. Your chance for education is limitless here. Lastly, sit down together as a family, no TV, no phone, just family time--period. Not only will this simple plan improve your eating habits, it may even bring your family closer together.
3. Family Fitness Fun
Sports teams are a great way to get your child moving, but that and physical education class at school is usually not enough exercise for kids today. Part of the problem is the lack of exercise intensity. Does your child ride the bench during games or dress out from P.E.? If so, it is even more critical you initiate family fitness fun. Set aside time weekly, if not daily, to go for family walks, swim at your local pool, play catch, ride a bike---think 1950s all over again. It is the adoption of lifetime physical activities that will last them through out the years and help them stay fit for a lifetime.
4. Send the TV/Computer/Cell Phone/Video Games on Vacation
This means parent's, too! Not only are we less active today, we sit and eat more than prior generations. A lot of times, the sitting and eating go together, a potentially deadly combo. Set specific time limits for the use of electronic devices, you'd be amazed your child will actually get up and do something, maybe even physical activity, when the toys are on vacation.
5. It's a Way of Life
When making these types of lifestyle changes think long term and persevere. Eating healthy for one week, is not going to be effective, nor is video game vacation for two days. Yes, it will be more work on your part, planning, vigilance and setting an example, but in the end, there is nothing more important than the health of your child.
Get nutritional info for popular Halloween candy and healthy candy alternatives here.
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