Parents Are Killing Their Children!

With junk food, television and bad examples.  Are you one of them?

Being a parent is tough!  Lot's of do's and don'ts. 

I, of course don’t have any kids of my own, but I did help with my sister’s youngsters while they were growing up. That, and I had a lot of stuffed animals. So, between the two, I feel I've had some serious hands-on experience.

And isn't it annoying how many things they want?

“Jaime, can we watch The Little Mermaid?” – Ugh, can’t you go stare at the wall or something?

“Jaime, can we play with the dog next door?” – What, are you crazy? That dog will eat your face off and I'm not getting in trouble, again. 

“Jaime, can you make us hot chocolate?” – Hot chocolate?  At your age, I was making your grandfather eggs, bacon, toast and coffee. Six-years-old – done!

Don’t get me wrong, I love my nieces and nephew, but it can be hectic. Throw in everybody’s extra-curricular activities, busy schedules and the ultimate task of just keeping them alive everyday, and you’ve got a second full-time job on your hands.  

 I guess it’s possible to accidentally let your child’s health take a back seat to the undeniable chaotic times of being a parent.  

“Child’s health? What do you mean? My child is healthy.”

OK, well maybe your child is. But according to recent studies, more than 30 percent of U.S. kids are overweight or obese, and that is not healthy. In fact, kids today are faced with health concerns like never before. Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and obesity – obesity!  Chubby cheeks are one thing. A chubby heart, not so cute.

Obesity is now the No. 1 health concern of parents, outranking smoking and drug abuse. So about that statement “kids can eat whatever they want:” Think again.

Aside from the health concerns associated with overweight kids, what about the psychological effects? The social and emotional problems that come with that Happy Meal?

• Lack of confidence
• Low self-esteem
• Bullying 
• Academic problems
• Anxiety
• Depression

What? You didn't read the fine print on the back of the box?   

Not exactly the symptoms of a happy 10-year-old.

We can blame it on a lot of things; budget cuts and lack of physical education and recess in school. The cost of joining sports and activities. The seemingly high price of quality food. No time to make healthy meals and snacks. Children’s resistance to being healthy. Busy schedules. No help. The list goes on.   

However, making and keeping your child healthy should be your No. 1 priority. I’ve experienced everything above, either as a child myself or watching family members go through the same issues. I understand, I really do. But we have to be able to overcome and adapt if we don’t want these unhealthy kids to become unhealthy adults. Statistically showing, they will.

Again, I’m not a parent and I’m not pretending to know anything more than how to keep my dog alive – and even that’s a little shaky.  

But as an outsider, I thought I could offer a couple tips on how to give that 30 percent a fair shot at a healthy life.

• First of all, be honest with yourself. It’s been 15 years, your baby is no longer just chubby and husky. Time to face the music and gradually make the change to a healthier life for everyone. Be understanding, patient, but firm. They didn't get this way alone, so admit some of the fault. And if I hear anyone making fun of their own children or using the F-word (fat), I’ll be knocking at your door! 

• If you don't cook meals together, start by making it a goal to cook at home just one to two times per week. Set a small goal, achieve it and go from there.  

• Involve your kids in the healthy cooking process and explain why. They should understand the importance of fruits, veggies, lean meats, etc., and not just be forced to eat them.

• Set up a goal chart for healthy eating. Each week, make a chart for your kids (and the parents) to eat x amount of healthy foods. Motivate them with a simple prize like a trip to the zoo, a free museum, a park, the movies or whatever. Just not food!

• Since most gyms don't allow kids, take everyone to the park once a week and do a simple workout of walking lunges, squats, push-ups, sit-ups, etc. Make it a goal to increase the reps.

• Have the family sign up for a 5k walk/run. Get them excited about the competition. Just because you may not be into things like this, doesn’t mean your kids shouldn't be exposed to it.

• Sign them up for after-school activities. If you can’t afford it, ask the school for financial assistance. Many schools offer such programs.

• Talk to your kids about the importance of being generally healthy. Put it in terms that matter to them. They may not care about eating vegetables and exercising, but they sure care about being able to play sports at recess, not being teased, fitting in their prom dress and feeling good about themselves.

• As they get a bit older, have them make their own breakfasts, lunches, snacks and dinners. Watch, and help them make it as healthy as possible. Let them get creative and get excited about it with them!

• Don't sabotage your family’s health by stocking the kitchen with crap. Take everyone with you and shop together if possible. Go to farmers markets so they can see what real produce looks like. 

One simple thing to remember is how adamant parents are about being healthy during the pregnancy stage of your child’s life. Why should that ever change?

Can you share any ideas that have worked for your family? Tell me in the comments below.