Parent fails when trying to raise healthy kids

When it comes to planning healthy meals, encouraging exercise and promoting an overall healthy life for your child, there are many pitfalls you may fall into. I’m pretty sure all parents are guilty of one kid raising fail or another (yup, even me) but it’s best to try and limit said fails if you want to raise a healthy kid.

Below are some common pitfalls I’ve seen parents fall into.

1. You have no clue how much your child weighs.
2. You get upset if your child’s doctor says your kid should lose weight, eat better or exercise.
3. You’re not sure what constitutes a healthy meal and exercise plan for your child.
4. You avoid food and exercise discussions because it’s, “Too late.” I.e your child is older or a teen.
5. You avoid food and exercise discussions because you are nervous about discussing food issues.
6. You avoid food and exercise discussions because you fear it may upset your child or you feel your child can’t handle it – ALL kids have the right to learn about healthy lifestyle choices.
7. Your child is allowed to eat excessive portions – of junk food or healthy food.
8. You reward your child when he eats well and exercises.
9. You punish your child when he doesn’t eat well or exercise.
10. Your child is allowed to load up on food toppings.
11. Your child is allowed to skip meals - especially breakfast.
12. You’re confusing food groups with portion sizes.
13. You keep junk food and treats stocked at all time – like soda, chips, ice creams and so on. These are treats, not everyday fare.
14. Your child is exercising so you think high calories are a-okay.
15. You ban your child from eating certain foods.
16. You believe your child won’t eat healthy foods so you serve unhealthy foods so he, “Won’t starve.“
17. You serve high calorie drinks with every meal.
18. You think your child deserves a break from healthy eating on weekends.
19. Your family always or most often eats in front of the T.V.
20. You fail to role model good exercise and food habits.
21. You blame external sources for your child’s poor eating and exercise habits instead of looking at your own habits.
22. You give into treats because you feel guilty about stuff that has nothing to do with food.
23. You want to be the best pal, not the parent so you never say no to excess food, unhealthy food or treats.

What pitfalls do you or other parents you know fall into?

Image © Arcady

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Tagged as: childhood obesity, healthy kids, obese kids, overweight american, overweight kids, weight denial