It's interesting how often families today rely on the education system to instruct their youngsters all kinds of things other than just reading, writing and arithmetic. A lot of parents place the responsibility for avoiding childhood obesity on the shoulders of the school board as well, thinking that gym classes and nutrition should be part of the school's curriculum so that children can continue to be fit and healthy. But this is an extremely shortsighted attitude by parents and one that is a surefire recipe for disaster. To combat childhood obesity and to keep children healthy and ablee-bodied, there must be modifications made in the home first and foremost.
One of the reasons that parents can't rely on the school systems to accept this is that many schools just can't offer gym courses the way they once did. Schools are normally overcrowded these days so the gymnasium needs to serve as the lunchroom for more hours than ever before. Without day to day physical exercise, childhood obesity is an almost sure thing. And just instructing a child about calories and fat and nutritional content of food does not mean that he or she is going to avoid junk food and fast food also! Just having the knowledge about these matters is not motivation sufficient to help a child make the choices needed to avoid childhood obesity.
A parent's example and what happens in the home is probably a better indication of whether or not childhood obesity will be avoided. Children typically learn lifestyle options and attitudes from their parents whether they're aware of it or not. Parents that are active and that always have activities to do will probably raise children that are active and busy as well. Those parents that sit on the couch each evening and on the weekends could find childhood obesity a problem in their own home. This is because children are learning to be sedentary and inactive. When a parent takes the effort to prepare meals that are simple but nutritious a child will learn to value nutritious food and to take the extra time and effort needed to prepare such dishes. But when a parent is constantly falling back on drive-through meals and other poor dietary options, a youngster may learn that such food is acceptable. This also may lead to cases of childhood obesity in the home.
Adults too can set limits with their children while they're with them to help avoid childhood obesity. No one can altogether control their child when they're on their own, but serving only nutritious meals and snacks while children are home will decrease any damage they may be doing by consuming junk at every other time! Many cases of childhood obesity are also associated to inaction during the day and evening. With this in mind parents can plan times to go to a zoo, aquarium, or other places where everybody walks around. Other way to help avoid childhood obesity by biking, walking, playing catch, playing Frisbee, setting up a badminton net, or other activities that involve all the family members.
As a parent, you must take responsibility for the health of your child. This includes making sure that he/she gets proper nutrition along with adequate exercise. Without this, they may become one of the many kids that are falling thru the cracks into obesity. - 29161
One of the reasons that parents can't rely on the school systems to accept this is that many schools just can't offer gym courses the way they once did. Schools are normally overcrowded these days so the gymnasium needs to serve as the lunchroom for more hours than ever before. Without day to day physical exercise, childhood obesity is an almost sure thing. And just instructing a child about calories and fat and nutritional content of food does not mean that he or she is going to avoid junk food and fast food also! Just having the knowledge about these matters is not motivation sufficient to help a child make the choices needed to avoid childhood obesity.
A parent's example and what happens in the home is probably a better indication of whether or not childhood obesity will be avoided. Children typically learn lifestyle options and attitudes from their parents whether they're aware of it or not. Parents that are active and that always have activities to do will probably raise children that are active and busy as well. Those parents that sit on the couch each evening and on the weekends could find childhood obesity a problem in their own home. This is because children are learning to be sedentary and inactive. When a parent takes the effort to prepare meals that are simple but nutritious a child will learn to value nutritious food and to take the extra time and effort needed to prepare such dishes. But when a parent is constantly falling back on drive-through meals and other poor dietary options, a youngster may learn that such food is acceptable. This also may lead to cases of childhood obesity in the home.
Adults too can set limits with their children while they're with them to help avoid childhood obesity. No one can altogether control their child when they're on their own, but serving only nutritious meals and snacks while children are home will decrease any damage they may be doing by consuming junk at every other time! Many cases of childhood obesity are also associated to inaction during the day and evening. With this in mind parents can plan times to go to a zoo, aquarium, or other places where everybody walks around. Other way to help avoid childhood obesity by biking, walking, playing catch, playing Frisbee, setting up a badminton net, or other activities that involve all the family members.
As a parent, you must take responsibility for the health of your child. This includes making sure that he/she gets proper nutrition along with adequate exercise. Without this, they may become one of the many kids that are falling thru the cracks into obesity. - 29161
About the Author:
For a free guide to healthful cooking, visit Facts About Childhood Obesity. For more information about some of the causes of childhood obesity visit Facts About Childhood Obesity.
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