Increasing lifestyle activity for children means increasing play. Increased lifestyle activity also involves walking instead of driving, using stairs and helping in household tasks. 50 Planned physical activity has a role in weight management, as well as teaching skill, teamwork, socialisation and improving self-esteem, but should never substitute for an increase in incidental activity in a weight management program. 51 Many of the standard skills in positive parenting are needed in weight management, including praise, support, encouragement and flexibility. 52 Parents need to be consistent and to model the desired behaviours.
Fathers are particularly powerful agents in modelling physical activity.
However, excessive parental control may have a negative effect on weight management. The goals set in weight management must be clear, few in number, simple, and with reciprocal goals for the parents. Achievement of these goals should be rewarded, but not by food. Relapse management is also part of obesity management. Relapse will almost certainly occur, and forward planning as to how to reinstitute healthy lifestyle choices and behaviours is important.