When it comes to weight, like mother-like daughter and like father-like son.
I remember being a little girl and ‘ironing’ alongside my mother with my little toy iron. When she cooked, I got out my little kitchen set. My brothers used to pretend to shave along with our father. This was the beginning of learning to do these things on our own. We learn a lot by mimicking our parents as we grow up. Some things help us to become self sufficient adults, some help give us insight into life and some things that aren’t so healthy. We also inherit their eating habits.
Much of today’s childhood obesity seems to be due to learned behavior from the same-sex parent, according to a study published in this month’s issue of the International Journal of Obesity. Most developed countries seem to be sharing the same problems with much of the same causes.
Parents can’t adopt a ‘do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do’ attitude when it comes to healthy behaviors. If a parent has an unhealthy diet, chances are that there’s a fair amount of unhealthy food in the house. Children, especially younger, want to be like mom or dad. They want to eat what their parent eats. Through this mimicry kids develop lifelong habits that can be difficult to change.
How about your house? Ask yourself these questions:
- How many packages/types of goodies do I keep in the house?
- Have I taught my kids that every meal should end with dessert?
- Have I taught my kids that they should have ‘treats’ every day?
- Do I eat balanced meals with my children every day that include vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean protein?
- What kind of example am I setting by what I eat?
Parents can start by making small changes and talking with children about reasons why the whole family should eat healthy foods. This can have a lasting impact on children. Making better food choices can improve their weight and health into adulthood. The bonus, it can also improve parents’ health!
If you won’t change for yourself, do it for your kids.
- Renee
Labels: healthy tips, Obesity, Renee
|
I have preached a lot about this on my blog over time. I know I learned my bad eating habits growing up & when I see these shows where parents are sending their kids to places to lose weight OR get on the Dr. Phil show to sob about it yet.. they are overweight or obese themselves.
Parents need to set a good example & take a look in the mirror if they are the problem.
Thx for addressing this!