The following ten tips make good sense for parents to follow to help minimize the risks for raising an overweight child. Ask yourself if a child is hungry for something emotional, rather than food. The most successful approaches focus on feeling better, stronger and more energetic rather than on a target weight. Don't turn over food decisions to kids. It's the parents' responsibility to provide healthy meals.
Kids are much better off eating fruit than drinking juice.
Also provide opportunities for informal forms of activity, such as Rollerblading or dancing. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting TV time to less than two hours a day. Weight-loss pills, potions and diets may not be safe for growing children. Aim for permanent changes in food intake and a gradual weight loss of half-pound to a pound a week. All rights reserved.