09294000000
The upcoming generation is the first one that is less healthy than their parents as suggested by experts. The reason is that in the modern world we are more inclined to eating junk and fast food in addition to avoiding exercise. Just imagine if kids are eating junk, sidelining nutrition and forgetting about exercise, where are they heading to? Obesity, that’s right.
But have you given a thought to the general norm of the society or should we say the pressure from it, the pressure to stay slim! These two scenarios are contradicting and thus give the perfect atmosphere for eating disorders to flourish in your kids. Did that scare you? It should, because we are pushing them towards it and we can prevent it as well. Check out what you can do to keep your kids from developing an eating disorder!
Change Your Attitude Towards Your Own Body
Most of us develop an inferiority complex about our appearance when we start comparing ourselves to the ideal body. Though as adults we somehow tackle it but when we see our kids showing signs of gaining weight we freak out. It is understandable that you are concerned about them and don’t want them to live a struggling life but often we transfer this fear to them. The result being, they start feeling that something is wrong with them. Accept your own body first to minimize your anxiety to not transfer it to them!
Trending : Brain Boosting Foods for Toddlers
Share Reality of Media
You need to bring to light the fact that the models your kids are seeing on billboards have been edited. Show them videos that show the truth behind the super thin models, their pictures are edited to make them look so thin. Tell them that media has set unrealistic expectations that the models can also not fulfill. Also share with them the knowledge that people who actually have such bodies are also not happy, it is better they accept themselves.
Model Good Eating Habits
If your child’s weight gain bothers you that much, work to change their eating habits. But you can achieve this only when you model these habits. Kids learn their habits from you so if you are ingesting a good 4 cans of cola everyday, you can’t question them when their hands wander off to the drinks cabinet after every few hours. Show them that healthy eating is a practice at your place, replace junk items with veggies and snack on fresh fruits, if you want them to do the same!
Also read : Foods That Will Help Your Child Grow Taller
Don’t Encourage Dieting
Though going on diets has become a protocol for many families, it will not do you much good. When you diet, you are actually increasing your longing for junk and sweets. It has been observed that people who restrict themselves to lose weight often regain weight when they loosen up a bit. If you tell your kids that these goodies are out of question, you are increasing their chances of binge eating them. Instead motivate them to eat healthy and keep such treats for special occasions. This way they will not feel deprived but will still stay on track!
Don’t Tempt Them
Many a times parents keep their kids on a diet, keeping treats away from them. This might work but if the whole family is enjoying these goodies, you can’t expect your child to resist them. They feel tempted and often sneak behind your back to grab those junk items. Also many girls develop bulimia nervosa by eating junk in private and them vomiting to stay slim. It is better that you put the whole family on healthy eating and throw away all junk from the house. When nobody is eating them, they are less likely to feel tempted!
Develop a healthy attitude towards their bodies if you want them to stay healthy and clear off eating disorders. These tips will help you prevent them from falling a prey to unhealthy eating habits.
