I'll answer that with one word. YES!
But let me explain my reasoning because I'm not saying that children should be subjected to the rigorous, unrealistic expectations, obsessive-compulsive style of dieting I see adults put themselves through every year.
I prefer a more straight-forward subtle approach to weight loss or weight management. I prefer to guide them by example.
Over my years of watching parents who are obsessed with their weight, who often times are battling poor body images themselves, give their children an unbelievably hard time about their weight.
The parents go out, work, strive hard to stay thin, workout all the time and yet...their children are overweight.
Oh the horror! What will their friends think if they are being "healthy" and their children are over weight?
My first thoughts are OK so what are your own feelings about food and activity? Do you make meals fun or do you make them a battlefield?
Are you depriving them or are you demonstrating moderation?
Are you going out and working out and keeping them by the TV?
Do you rush them all around to all their after school activities and shove fast food or their meals down them?
Do your kids buy their lunches or do you prepare it "with" them?
Do you live close enough to your child's school and still drive them anyway?
I'm not saying it is easy. Raising healthy well adjusted children is NOT easy. You do have to be involved though and you do need your kids to be involved with you.
Being involved can be fun and rewarding and doesn't have to take you away from your own goals. But you might have to adjust.
It is my belief that we as parents should lead by example, guiding them by your actions and the way you go about being healthy. If your diet and your view of your nutrition is healthy than share it, get your kids involved with you.
If it's not, don't place that burden on your kids with unrealistic expectations. Share your struggles and your reasons for being healthy. Let them know your "why" without making them feel they have to adopt your "why". Allow them to share their why and their concerns.
When they are real young, you dictate was is brought into the house and what goes on their plate. When they are older give them some choices.
Take the time to prepare meals with them, sit down with them, share with them and allow them to share with you.
Then PLAY with them. There are so many active games inside as well as out. OK so you won't burn a bunch of calories, but will be active and you'll be influencing your children.
If you like music. DANCE!
If you like sports: Play floor hockey in the basement.
If you like nature: Go out for a walk, hike, snowshoe, make a snow castle.
If you like computers: Play Wii
If you like eating well, help them find ways to eat well. Explore the veggie isle at the grocery store. Hide veggies in soups, casseroles and spaghetti sauces. Use low fat dip if you need to. I know I didn't always like raw veggies either.
So do children need to go on diets?
Yes, the healthy kind.
But let me explain my reasoning because I'm not saying that children should be subjected to the rigorous, unrealistic expectations, obsessive-compulsive style of dieting I see adults put themselves through every year.
I prefer a more straight-forward subtle approach to weight loss or weight management. I prefer to guide them by example.
Over my years of watching parents who are obsessed with their weight, who often times are battling poor body images themselves, give their children an unbelievably hard time about their weight.
The parents go out, work, strive hard to stay thin, workout all the time and yet...their children are overweight.
Oh the horror! What will their friends think if they are being "healthy" and their children are over weight?
My first thoughts are OK so what are your own feelings about food and activity? Do you make meals fun or do you make them a battlefield?
Are you depriving them or are you demonstrating moderation?
Are you going out and working out and keeping them by the TV?
Do you rush them all around to all their after school activities and shove fast food or their meals down them?
Do your kids buy their lunches or do you prepare it "with" them?
Do you live close enough to your child's school and still drive them anyway?
I'm not saying it is easy. Raising healthy well adjusted children is NOT easy. You do have to be involved though and you do need your kids to be involved with you.
Being involved can be fun and rewarding and doesn't have to take you away from your own goals. But you might have to adjust.
It is my belief that we as parents should lead by example, guiding them by your actions and the way you go about being healthy. If your diet and your view of your nutrition is healthy than share it, get your kids involved with you.
If it's not, don't place that burden on your kids with unrealistic expectations. Share your struggles and your reasons for being healthy. Let them know your "why" without making them feel they have to adopt your "why". Allow them to share their why and their concerns.
When they are real young, you dictate was is brought into the house and what goes on their plate. When they are older give them some choices.
Take the time to prepare meals with them, sit down with them, share with them and allow them to share with you.
Then PLAY with them. There are so many active games inside as well as out. OK so you won't burn a bunch of calories, but will be active and you'll be influencing your children.
If you like music. DANCE!
If you like sports: Play floor hockey in the basement.
If you like nature: Go out for a walk, hike, snowshoe, make a snow castle.
If you like computers: Play Wii
If you like eating well, help them find ways to eat well. Explore the veggie isle at the grocery store. Hide veggies in soups, casseroles and spaghetti sauces. Use low fat dip if you need to. I know I didn't always like raw veggies either.
So do children need to go on diets?
Yes, the healthy kind.
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