How to Feed Children
In Our Super-Sized World

Are super-sized meals making super-sized children?

We all know that obesity is on the rise in our county. It's not just an adult problem. The incidence of childhood obesity has tripled in the past 2 decades. Some 15% of school-age children are overweight. Excess weight puts them at risk for serious medical problems including high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. And, being heavy as a child is very tough. A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association demonstrated that obese children suffer emotionally and socially.

Parents have the most influence on a child's eating habits. Here are a few ideas to help kids stay healthy and trim. First, be a good role model. Eat healthy foods. Stay active. Don't snack in front of the TV.

Second, watch how you watch your weight. Parents that are overly concerned with body image and weight are more likely to have daughters with similar weight problems even at age 5.

Third, don't reward with food. Use inedible rewards instead such as praise, an outing or time together.

Fourth, wait for dessert. Don't have it as part of the meal. Don't connect it to what a child has eaten for dinner.

Finally, make the TV room and bedroom no-food zones. Prolonged sitting, TV and eating are bad combinations.

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