A tricky balance
April 21, 2010 - 06:15 AM Filed in: Food Tips
On the one hand, parents are told to worry that their children will become obese. On the other hand, mothers of girls in particular are told to worry that their daughters will develop anorexia. How can there be an epidemic of both things at the same time, and what should a parent be doing about both?
By Lisa Belkin
Helping your kids stay healthy and fit without pushing them too far in either direction requires careful parenting. The number one thing you can do as a parent is to set a good example, starting when your children are very young. Make preparing and eating nutritious foods a priority in your house, and share with your kids the many benefits of eating healthy foods like vegetables and fruits. When you’re talking about healthy eating, emphasize those benefits that resonate with your child such as performing better at school, running faster on the field or gym class or feeling more confident. Your message should not be about attaining a certain weight or having a smaller body. These types of comments can have devastating effects on a child’s self esteem. And don’t discuss your own weight issues or dieting in front of young kids. They’re easily influenced by your struggles with food and the scale.
While you’re encouraging good habits, don’t make the mistake of obsessing over treat foods. If you make a big deal out of banning these foods outright, your children will develop an unhealthy relationship with them that will follow them into adulthood. In the Bauer household, we often have cookies and chocolate in the house. In fact, full disclosure, my youngest daughter, Ayden Jane, wants to be a cake decorator.
It can feel like a tricky balance — encouraging good eating habits without being too rigid. It may take some time to find out what works best for your family, but it’s worth the effort. If your child has a weight issue and you’re worried about handling it in a sensitive and effective way, consider making an appointment with a registered dietitian who specializes in pediatrics — with or without your child present, depending upon the circumstances and age — to discuss the best approach.
By Lisa Belkin
Helping your kids stay healthy and fit without pushing them too far in either direction requires careful parenting. The number one thing you can do as a parent is to set a good example, starting when your children are very young. Make preparing and eating nutritious foods a priority in your house, and share with your kids the many benefits of eating healthy foods like vegetables and fruits. When you’re talking about healthy eating, emphasize those benefits that resonate with your child such as performing better at school, running faster on the field or gym class or feeling more confident. Your message should not be about attaining a certain weight or having a smaller body. These types of comments can have devastating effects on a child’s self esteem. And don’t discuss your own weight issues or dieting in front of young kids. They’re easily influenced by your struggles with food and the scale.
While you’re encouraging good habits, don’t make the mistake of obsessing over treat foods. If you make a big deal out of banning these foods outright, your children will develop an unhealthy relationship with them that will follow them into adulthood. In the Bauer household, we often have cookies and chocolate in the house. In fact, full disclosure, my youngest daughter, Ayden Jane, wants to be a cake decorator.
It can feel like a tricky balance — encouraging good eating habits without being too rigid. It may take some time to find out what works best for your family, but it’s worth the effort. If your child has a weight issue and you’re worried about handling it in a sensitive and effective way, consider making an appointment with a registered dietitian who specializes in pediatrics — with or without your child present, depending upon the circumstances and age — to discuss the best approach.
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