Is obesity a serious threat to our children’s health? Michelle Obama seems to think so. She points out that one third of all kids in this country are either overweight or obese (Newsweek, “Michelle on a Mission,” March 22, 2010, p. 41). What causes children to have serious weight problems? There are several factors. We can narrow them down to three basic ones: attitude, environment and heredity. Of these three causes or factors, heredity is clearly the hardest to change.  

But attitudes can be changed. Parents need to encourage their children and praise them for their accomplishments, small as well as large. Feelings of self-esteem and self-worth make children want to live up to a positive self-image. Words of praise, the proverbial pat on the back, make our children want to prove themselves worthy of our good opinion. Children with a healthy self-image don't need to constantly turn to food to feel better. 

This brings us to physical environment as an important factor. Parents are the people who provide the necessary environment for children to thrive. So what can we do to insure that our children learn to maintain a healthy weight? 

Here are some suggestions: 

·        Don't buy snack foods that have little nutritional value. Avoid candy, chips and dips, and other fattening foods. Do buy natural foods like carrots, raisins, nuts, apples.

·        Don't reward your children with food. Use praise instead.

·        Don't immediately give sweet treats when children are feeling down. Offer to talk things out.

·        Sit down as a family for dinner. Don't rush through meals. Especially at dinner, eat in a leisurely manner. Talk about your day with your children. Encourage them to tell you about theirs.

·        Don't allow any family member to eat a meal while talking on the phone, watching television or using a computer.

·        Serve a variety of healthy foods. Every meal should have protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains.

·        Try to serve attractively so that food looks appealing. For instance, have a variety of colors on the plate. Brighten it up with salad, pickles, or relish. Eye candy sells a meal.

·        Don't use large plates when smaller plates make servings look larger.

·        Don't serve large portions. It's better to have children ask for seconds if they're still hungry.

·        Serve water with meals. Also, encourage your children to drink plenty of water during the day rather than sugary beverages.

·        Use low fat milk.

·        Cut down on fatty foods in general.

·        Avoid letting your children eat poorly when they eat out.

·        Avoid over-eating yourself when you go to restaurants. Even fast food places provide healthy choices.

·        Set a good role model for your children. Eat properly yourself.

·        Pack your children's school lunches when possible. Make certain the food is varied and nutritious.