I am truly happy to have a Guest Writer making an appearance for us. Please welcome back and enjoy this piece by Jenna Sherman.
“Jenna Sherman created Parent-Leaders to be all about what parents can do to make sure their children grow up to be strong, independent, successful adults. By providing a collection of valuable, up-to-date, authoritative resources, she hopes to help other parents acquire the skills they need to raise future leaders. Jenna is mom to three children — two girls and a boy.”
America is in the grip of a nationwide weight problem, and it has expanded to encompass even our children. The rate of childhood obesity has tripled since the 1970s. What can we do about it? How do we help our children to make healthy choices? Here, Classy Mama Bear gives you some helpful tips.
Be a Role Model
It’s no good telling your kids to eat healthy if they see you skipping meals and indulging in junk food, or telling them not to use drugs if you’re a pack a day smoker. Studies show that kids who see their parents exercising and eating vegetables are more likely to do so themselves. Start by purging the house of sweet snacks and sugary drinks. Your kid’s pancreas can’t tell the difference between a juice box and a canned soda; it’s all sugar and it’s all bad for your health, and theirs. Opt for water or milk instead. And consider going back to whole milk; it helps reduce cravings for sugar and starches in a way that low-fat milk does not.
Make a point of eating well and exercising every day, so that your child will follow your example. If you want your child to live a healthy active lifestyle, you have to be part of one yourself. Play together as a family, have a dance party, go outside and ride bikes together, go on family hikes and birdwatching trips. You shouldn’t just sign your kids up for organized sports, but also participate with them!
Being a role model can also mean showing your kids the importance of getting a good education. Noting a degree on your resume can result in higher-paying jobs and more advancement in your career. If you’re a working parent and are pressed for time, you can earn a degree online. Its flexibility allows you to keep working; in other words, you can stick to your own schedule and still complete the necessary degree requirements.
Get Involved
Don’t fall into the trap of just serving your child things you know he will eat. Kids need to be exposed to a food multiple times before they’re willing to incorporate it into their diet. Give them a choice of colorful fresh produce, and try preparing things in many different ways. Don’t be afraid of spices and seasonings, they will encourage your child’s developing palate. A great way to foster a love of fresh fruits and vegetables is to take your child to a local farmers market, or a u-pick farm, to select his own produce. Or, try growing a garden together; you’ll get fresh air and exercise, and your child will learn about where his food comes from.
Encourage your children to join you in the kitchen and let them help you with cooking and food preparation. Give your child ownership and an investment in the family meal, by encouraging him to grow and prepare food for the family. It will increase his self-esteem and broaden his menu at the same time.
Have Dinner Together
It may seem like a simple thing, but perhaps the most important thing you can do to help your child make good choices in life is to sit down to dinner with them every evening. Studies show that children who eat family dinners are healthier, slimmer, and more active than those who do not. They experience lower rates of depression, and perhaps most surprising, they are much less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol.
A family who sits at a table eating meals together is more likely to be engaging in meaningful conversation, and to develop close family bonds. This communication and closeness may help parents to identify when their child has a problem, and aid in early intervention when there is one. Disconnect from technology and connect with your family. Make a rule that cellphones aren’t welcome at the table.
Reduce Stress
When we’re feeling stressed out, it’s common to reach for things that are bad for us, like caffeine to wake us up and sugary snacks to boost our energy level. But those lead to energy crashes that just make us feel worse. Address the source of the problem by reducing stress in your home. Declutter your spaces; studies show that clutter makes us feel tired and irritable. Make sure any grown-up belongings such as cleaning chemicals, alcohol, and weapons are out of the reach of children. Use a child lock to keep things secure and out of reach.
Incorporate more natural light and fresh air by opening windows when you can. Bring in a few houseplants to improve indoor air quality and make your home feel more welcoming.
The only way to help your child make good decisions is to make good decisions yourself. Protect your health by eating well and exercising regularly. Your child learns what they live, and you’re their guide to becoming a responsible adult. Show them the way by modeling good habits in the way you live.
Jenna Sherman
