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Are You Meeting ALL Your Child's Basic Needs?
This may come as a surprise, but many parents are unaware of
the full extent of their child's basic needs.
Do you remember the old song by Lennon and McCartney about
the girl leaving home after 'living alone for so many
years'? The...
CyberDating Lie Detecting
Did you know that Online Dating is the top moneymaker on the Web? Chances are good that if you are single, you have joined a site or two yourself. If so, you've probably asked my CyberRomance clients' top question too:
"How can I tell if...
Family Monopoly Champ!
I’m the Monopoly champion of my house for the fifth straight year! I know, I know, I’m sure this means about as much to y’all as a glass of warm spit, but to me it’s a big deal. All families develop certain traditions over the years, so this week...
Intersting Baby Facts... Strange But True!
* A baby is born every seven seconds. * Babies are born with very poor vision but can recognize their mothers almost right away. * Babies are always born with blue eyes, within a few moments of delivery their eye color can change. * Babies...
Women and Colon Cleansing, Women and Colonic Health
90% of all sickness and disease begins inside an unclean colon. Toxins and waste build up in your colon just like they do in the pipes of your home. Both demand immediate attention or the results can be disastrous. Colon cancer is second only...
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Childhood Obesity - 6 Steps to Raising Healthy Kids
Childhood obesity is on the rise and has become an important topic amongst parents, politicians and many others.
Our lifestyles have drastically changed. We don’t walk as much as we used to. We eat pre-packaged or fast foods instead of home cooked meals. And what exercise can compete with video games?
These days kids would rather spend time on the computer than go outside and kick a ball around or ride their bikes. And with all the junk food advertisements aimed at children by the media, us parents definitely have our jobs cut out for us.
Times have definitely changed but that doesn’t mean we have to completely give up. It’s just a matter of putting some simple measures into place.
Here are some easy tips to ensure your kids develop a life-long healthy lifestyle.
1. Limit your kids television, computer and video games time. This may not be easy at first, but be persistent. Suggest an activity they can do, or better yet go outside with them and join in. Children learn through example, so if you’re all set to go for a bike ride they may just want to join you.
2. Get your kids involved in the family food shopping. Make a list of healthy foods everyone agrees on and point out the health benefits to your kids. You’ll be surprised at how open to eating healthy your kids can be. You don’t have to drastically cut out the cakes and cookies altogether, but instead let each child choose one item they can enjoy as a special treat. This teaches kids to learn about moderation and that , yes, they can have cookies or chocolates as treats not as regular food staples.
3. Don’t super size your kids. Be careful
to serve kid appropriate food portions. Remember, if they’re not fully satisfied they can simply go back for seconds. Also, teach them to eat slowly and take breaks between mouthfuls to allow the brain to register when it’s full.
4. Try to avoid branding any foods as “bad for you”. Instead focus on teaching your kids everything can be enjoyed in moderation. This takes the pressure off them and gets rid of the diet mentality which can set them up for a life of yo-yo dieting.
5. Be more active! Simply stated, kids need more activity in their lives. The same goes for all of us, if we eat more calories than we’re using up we will gain weight. It’s as simple as that. So get out there and make it fun. Try not to use the word “exercise”. You want this to be a lifestyle habit not something that has to be done.
6. Be a positive role model. Rather than focusing on changes for your child only, change as a family. Have a family meeting and talk about healthy eating and good nutrition. Explain all the benefits of an active lifestyle and let your kids suggest some simple activities you can do together. Start slowly and build up. If you set a good example your kids will eventually follow. It may not be easy at first, but persist. The benefits will far outweigh the tantrums and tears you may need to put up when you first change your lifestyle…. Your kids will thank you for it in the long run.
About the Author
Mila Sidman is a mom of three and the creator of www.easy-kid-recipes.com. A leading website providing simple, kid-friendly recipes, nutritional information, meal planning tips, fun kid cooking projects and much more.
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