Make kids to lead active and healthy life style

With childhood and adolescent obesity on the rise, it’s essential to start teaching kids to lead a healthy, active lifestyle early. And the best way to do that is to be involved as a family.

Since the 1970s, childhood and adolescent obesity has more than tripled. The research says 1 in 5 school-aged children (ages 6-19) in the U.S. have obesity.

While some factors that contribute to obesity cannot be changed, such as genetics, there are steps you can take as a parent to teach your kid to stay healthy through an active lifestyle

Set the Example

As parents, you can take the first step by being active yourself. As your children’s role model, you set the norm for your family. When your child sees you having fun or being passionate about a sport or activity, they are more likely to be interested in that or similar activities. Your child will also see you prioritising your health and learn to prioritise it in their own lives.

Make Time for Being Active

Managing a household with varying schedules, homework, and after-school activities can make it difficult for kids to have time for being physically active. The AAP recommends that children 6 years and older be physically active for at least one hour a day, which can be broken up throughout the day. Help your kid structure his or her time outside school to find opportunities to be active. Teach them the importance of being active for both mental and physical health.

Help your Child Find the Right Activity

You can help your child find activities they love by exposing them to sports and physical activities. When they find a sport they enjoy, they are more likely to continue doing them. Make sure you pick a move that is developmentally appropriate and at a skill level they can enjoy and feel successful.

Being Active as Family

Being active as a family doesn’t have to be complicated. Physical activities are not at all limited to organised sports. Playing a game of tag, taking a hike, swimming, playing cricket or game, or riding bikes around the neighbourhood is an easy way to involve the whole family. Find an activity you enjoy doing together and build it into your weekly routine.

Invest in Toys that Encourage Being Active

Ensure your kids have toys encourage being active, such as balls of different sizes and types, jumping ropes, frisbees, bikes or scooters. Even simple, open-ended toys that allow your child to use their imagination can lead to hours of fun outside.

Limit screen time

It’s easy to fall into bad habits with the TV and other technology. Once it’s on, it’s hard to turn it off. It’s essential to set expectations for media use with your child before you turn the tech on and place limits to ensure it doesn’t prevent them from being active.

The research recommends that parents limit children’s media use each day depending on their age:

• Babies/Toddlers 0-18 months: avoid screen time, except video chatting.
• Toddlers 18-24 months: parents who want to introduce screen time should choose quality, educational programming they view and experience together.
• Children 2 to 5 years: parents should limit screen use to one hour, ensuring high-quality programs.
• Kids 6 years and up: Parents should place consistent limits to teach kids a healthy life balance.

Talk to Your Provider

Suppose your child is struggling to maintain a healthy weight. If you have concerns about obesity, suspect your child has an eating disorder, or need help getting your child to be more active, contact your paediatrician.