Child’s Play

Child’s Play

Children don’t need to be on a diet, not in the sense of singling them out. That is the worse.  Any healthy program should be a family plan that everyone does.  It should never apply just to a child.  The child needs to be loved and supported and feel like they are part of a team.

When the whole family participates in a wellness program, most younger children are going to follow suite.  If the new lifestyle happens when the children are older, it may be a little harder to persuade them.  Eating can be a power struggle.

A client asked me about putting their child on a weight-loss regimen along with them.  I explained that the child will naturally benefit from their parent making better choices, especially if the changes are introduced as positive ones.

If the parent complains about the healthy choices, are not active, and they don’t stick to the changes, it will not be a good example for the child to follow.  But if the parent expresses the changes with excitement, eats healthy meals, and spends time playing with the child, the little one is more likely to buy in.  Go for walks, ride bikes, swim; just play and the child will respond favorably.

I used to plant seeds as my kids got older and I was no longer 100% in control of what they ate. I would ask what they ate the day before when they were misbehaving or didn’t want to get out of bed for school, or were having a hard time concentrating.  I did what my mom and grandmom did, and made them go out and play.  Sometimes I played with them.

If you feel like your child needs to become more active, set the tone, and make sure you are moving.