by Douglas Favors Ii

Created on: February 23, 2011

The causes for obesity in children are the same causes for adults.  However, children can be more closely monitored and put on diets.  Where as, adults have full responsibility to monitor food consumption and diet correctly.  Instead of beating a “dead horse” the causes in this article will take a different approach from diet and exercise. 

Although, diet and exercise are the most important parts of preventing childhood obesity they are not the only parts.  In order to effectively implement a healthy diet and exercise routine a child must want participate (or not knowingly participate).  This article will focus on the latter part of participation.

Children need guidance to understand diet and exercise but sometimes the best motivation is surprise.  The most useful technique relies on the parents’ ability to withhold entertainment tools.  Tools such as, gaming consoles, sweet snacks, television, and Internet browsing need to have limits.  Keeping a tight schedule on allowed use of these items gives children time to focus on other crafts and activities. 

For example, during the week a child should not be allowed to play video games.  The time wasted using less of the brain cannot be regained.  The new time to focus on schoolwork or activities outside can prove to be more rewarding.  The child will also find a better enjoyment in the game since there is a limit to its use. 

To go even further some parents may even want to plan active weekends to distance the child further from sedentary games.  Children that cannot sit and play a game will be more likely to find active games or find friends to interact.  The surprise factor comes to pass when a child has grown and not noticed that they have a better quality of life and it was effortless!

The element of surprise works in yet another way for children.  Parents must not only provide the children with a schedule but with new tools of entertainment!  It does cost something to prevent childhood obesity.  Active parents must buy and surround children with interactive tools. 

For example, if a child cannot surf the Internet daily then an active substitute must be introduced.  Instead of browsing the web the child can ride a bike.  In order for this to happen the child must own a (good) bike.  It is the parents responsibility to buy instruments and lessons for the instrument, buy the jump rope and teach jumping rope, etc… 

Parents cannot expect children to create more active habits all on their own.  Active type tools will promote imagination and better problem solving skills.  Once again the surprise factor is the talents that the child develops and can use in the future with guidance.

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