Kids need to be little fat, they should never be ultra slim – every parent think so. But if you give him junk food to see him fat, is it the right procedure? Even if you feel that your kid is suffering from obesity, you never admit it openly. Now kids are not playing as before. Instead they are spending their leisure time before cartoon channels and computer games. If things remain same, they will develop symptoms of diabetics, heart problems and cholesterol before they reach 25. Recent studies give this shocking report. It’s a myth that fitness is a mantra for adults only. Obesity can lead to diseases and health related problems not only in adults, but also in kids.
Television and junk food are the real villains
2 decades back, as soon as kids return home they go to nearby ground to play. He will be accompanied by a group of friends. So, no special exercise was needed for kids that time. Now academy is killing kids with heavy burden and extra classes. Kids reach home at 6 or 7 after tuition classes. Where are they getting enough time to play? As soon as they reach home, they eat something and sit before computer or PC. Then it’s time for homework, supper and sleep. Where are they doing physical exercise? Parents usually ask kids to study instead of playing, as they want to see their kids scoring high marks and grades in exams.
Some parents believe that sports make kids tired. Truth is that, if you don’t let them play, they will get tired easily while doing effort tasks, plays or sports. Since most kids didn’t get permission to play outside they spend their time in front of computer or television. When parents see their kids sitting quiet without doing any mischief they feel happy. Thus they are silently allowing them to repeat the same procedure everyday without knowing that such bad habits may invite a lot of health problems later.
If kids eat watching television they will surely take excess food and in most cases, it’s junk food. Eating snacks at interval gives bad life style to kids and make them obese very soon.
Physical activities and exercises are most important
Assure that your kid engage in some sort of physical activity everyday at least for one hour. If you present them workout instruments and instruct them to do regular exercise they may not obey you. They will become bored very soon if they are just obeying your orders. Kids should feel its need; then only such equipments are worth. Better option is to allow them to choose any physical activity they like rather than insisting on your personal interests.
If your kid is interested in sports, allow him to play cricket, tennis or badminton. Cycling is a good exercise. Swimming is another nice option. You can give small tasks of home for your kid. For example, cleaning rooms, arranging books, buying grocery from nearby shop etc.
Allow them to lift less weight things at home and ask them to walk short distances than depending on a vehicle. If your kid is 6 years old, you can take him for a morning walk everyday. Even if he shows laziness first, slowly he will start that new habit. If your kid prefers to walk or go out with his friends, allow him. If you are living in a flat, ask him to use steps instead of lift if he needs to go to next floor. Make them understand that it’s not a good habit to use lift always.
Fitness training classes and drill periods at schools can help your kids a lot. Such classes are effective only in a few schools now. Such activities can increase physical fitness of your kid.
Parents need to assure if your kid is physically fit according to his age. If you give physical exercises from early ages itself, they will grow as healthy kids in future. When your kid begins to walk, allow him to walk a few steps. Never carry him always. Never use walkers.
Some parents feel it disturbance if kids play and make noises a lot. Growing age of kids is to play and enjoy. Let them do it so that they will remain physically and mentally fit always. If parents are also able to find time to play with their kids, they will enjoy such moments a lot. It helps to increase the bond of parent-kid relationship.
More physical activities are needed for kids of age group 7-11. Give them opportunities to participate in sports and extra curricular activities. It helps in their mental development too. Identify your kid’s talent and give him special practice for that item. But never expect too much. Just take it in sportsman spirit. Otherwise your kid won’t perform well as he always thinks if he can reach your expectations. All persons can’t become Sachin or Sania.
Some kids may be interested in dance. Dance is also a good exercise. If so, give them at least half an hour everyday to practise it.
Now, give proper care to food habits
Eating something always, particularly during intervals and watching television can lead to serious health problems in future. Instead of junk food, give them complete food. Give home prepared food and fresh juices instead of fried chicken from a restaurant or packed juice from a bakery. Prepare colourful food for kids and make them bit different once in a while. Kids love such decorations a lot. Give preference to rainbow food – food containing all colours of a rainbow, from green to orange and red.
If your kid is an addict of puffs and burger you can prepare sandwiches at home. Use colourful vegetables to decorate. Bring some change everyday. Kids will welcome such items with happiness. You can prepare fried rice at home once in a week instead of buying from outside.
To reduce obesity doesn’t mean you should reduce the amount of food to kids. Instead reduce the amount of fats, salt and sugar. Give importance to carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and fiber rich food. Minerals can be provided as supplements. If you reduce the amount of normal food and increase the amount of chocolates and sweets, his weight will only increase, never decrease!
It’s not a healthy habit to give simple food to kids and royal food to elders. Prepare a unique healthy diet for everyone. When you are trying to reduce the weight of your kid, implement those things in your life too. Kids will learn those things easily. All family members including kids can avoid rice food at night and have 2-3 chappathis, fruits and a little salad. Start those habits at early age itself. Otherwise kids won’t hear your words later.
If parents were able to reduce 10 kilos in a month, it doesn’t mean kids can also do the same. It is always better to reduce weight slowly. Once weight is reduced, check continuously if weight is in equilibrium or not. Now extra control is not needed. But it’s to be assured if he is maintaining proper food habits.