2 of 3

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

Parents decide which foods will be served and how often, as well as being too permissive in allowing the children to decide they will not try new foods.

Portion sizes are also out of control. Parents tend to serve larger portions to their children than is necessary simply because they serve themselves larger than necessary portions. Snacking on high calorie foods and soft drinks while watching television, playing board games, or watching sporting events also leads to obesity. Parents use candy, cakes, pies, and cokes as rewards for good behavior. As children get older, they associate foods high in calories with feeling good about themselves or as a way to self-reward. Sugary treats, ice-cream, cakes, and other fatty foods are know as comfort foods because parents used them to make their children feel better after losing a ballgame, making a bad grade, or breaking up with a boy/girlfriend.

Parents who are battling obesity tend to make excuses for themselves and their children, stating that "it runs in the family", or "we are not that much over-weight". Whatever attitude parents have concerning food, the likelihood that their children will have the same attitude is very high. Children imitate their parents' core beliefs and life practices. If parents value exercise, their children will more likely value exercise. When adults regularly visit the fast food chains, making them the main source of their children's' food intake, parents are directly influencing whether their children become obese. Bad habits, poor food choices, and fast and easy meals, all contribute toward children suffering from obesity.

Learn more about this author, Barbara Stanley.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about The influence parents have on their children's obesity?
We want to hear your view. Write now!