Children and teens that are overweight suffer because daily they have to deal with rejection and being made fun of by their peers and people who stare. Obese children find it difficult to participate in athletic activities or other school or community sponsored events. What has happened is that these kids are victims of our fast-food, supersized world with no physical activity and are also addicted to computer games. Did you know that there are a growing number of teens who are overweight (who need to lose fat) who’s only friends are computer generated? If you have a young child who is overweight or needs to lose 10 pounds then the onus is on you as the parent to begin making the necessary changes in their life so they will lose weight and not risk chronic illness as they get older. You can begin making changes by purchasing and preparing wholesome natural foods and teaching them about making healthy food choices. If you have pre-teens and teens you will need to talk to them about what healthy food choices are and how the body digests and assimilates foods, that exercise is good for both body and their mental health. Be available to listen to them when they come to you for help or support and try to do this without stressing the fact that they are overweight. It is important to be supportive of your children and help them do what is necessary to become healthier. The internet is a great resource for children and teen websites that have online support groups, encouraging stories and a great way to develop friendships with real people experiencing the same things as they are. I believe that the most important thing you can do for your children is set an example and live a healthy lifestyle yourself. You may need some outside support also. As a family, go to see your doctor or health-care practitioner where you can get a BMI chart for children and teens and talk about losing weight / weight loss programs. A regular exercise program for your child/teen is an important part of any weight loss program. So when ever possible get them involved in organizing family outings like biking, hiking, swimming, skating, tennis or any type of family activity that gets the body moving. Another very important thing you want to do is set up some type of reward system that doesn’t involve food; for a young teenage girl a mini spa day to get a pedicure or her hair styled, for your son, a new accessory for his bike a new soccer ball. It is important to allow your child or teen to slip up, we all do, so don’t make a big deal, just encourage them not to give up, simply begin fresh tomorrow. Well here’s the next step. If you enjoyed this article, here’s something else you can do. Check out the FREE sneak preview of The MindBody FX Lifestyle book and Consumer’s Guide at http://www.MindBodyFX.com.
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