Help
your child fight the bulge.
While
some teenagers are extremely figure-conscious, others cannot care
less, and few others are constantly battling with their excess
weight. They start with rigorous physical exercises, but give them
up very soon. What role can parents play in this battle with the
bulge?
Don’t
tease your child
The
worst thing you can do is to make fun of your teen, especially in
public. Don’t ever laugh at your teen or call him or her names
like chubby or fatty, even if the teenager takes it sportingly.
Parents should show sensitivity towards their teenager’s weight
problem. If your daughter does not want to wear the swimsuit for
obvious reasons, do not push the point too far.
Be
a role model
The
schedule followed by parents can set a precedent for children. A
pro-active constructive lifestyle of parents can inspire a
teenager to exercise regularly. For instance, if the mother is in
the habit of walking after dinner, children will also be less
inclined towards lazing around or constantly watching television.
Therefore set a family tradition of physical exercise. Pay
importance to maintaining physical fitness.
Diet
Don’t
put your teen on a crash diet without previous consultation with
your doctor. You should cut down on sweets, but let the
restrictions be relaxed once in a while. Let your teenager
gradually understand responsibility of a balanced diet. Don’t
make a big deal out of it. Try and be as subtle about dietary
restrictions as possible. For instance, substitute full cream milk
with low fat milk. Don’t give too many fried munching items. It
is unfair to serve rich and fatty foods for the rest of the family
and then expect your teenager to skip it. Do not tempt your
teenager unnecessarily.
Encourage
sports and outdoor games
Encourage
your teenager to play different types of sports. If time and
resources permit, get a membership in a gymnasium club. Never let
the child leave the club course incomplete. Make him or her
realize the value of the gymnasium fees.
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