One of the facts of life is that grandparents spoil their grandbabies. Many times, this is done through food – allowing children to have whatever they want to eat, whenever they want it.
Unfortunately, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), childhood obesity is, quite literally, a growing problem. The CDC reports that 18.5 percent of Americans age 2 to 19 are obese, up from only 5 percent 40 years ago. The number, however, has leveled off a bit over the past 15 years.
The State University of New York at Buffalo conducted a study and found that showing love and emotional warmth while playing with babies (under one year old) influences their weight and eating habits. Researchers found that children who had less emotional warmth in the home gained excess weight.
There are other, more commonsense ways to curb weight-gain in children.
- It can be tempting for kids, especially once they reach school age, to skip breakfast. Don’t allow this, as a nutritious breakfast is good for both metabolism and brainpower.
- Expose kids to healthy food often. They may not like broccoli the first time you give it to them, but don’t give up – there’s a better chance they will like it down the road if you stick with it.
- Fast food is tempting because of its convenience but limit the amount you serve kids each week. If you know you’re going to be busy, make meals ahead of time so you can heat and serve them quickly.
- Encourage physical activity and join in – if you can – to set a good example.
- Limit the amount of unhealthy options in your home. The grandkids can’t fill up on cookies if you don’t have any in the pantry!
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