Honoring the Gift of Children Not Criticizing Body Size & Shape ********* Being Physically Active

Honoring the Gift of Children Not Criticizing Body Size & Shape Remind your children & yourself that we don’t criticize a raven for not being an eagle or a rose for not being a fish. We are happy that each is what it is. Discuss with your children how the wisdom of animals, the strength of Tribal Community, & the love of supportive parents can teach each of us to be ourselves & not someone else.

Honoring the Gift of Children Not Criticizing Body Size & Shape While you are making food & activity changes on your “wellness journey.” Don’t criticize your body size & shape & your children are more likely not to criticize theirs. Like yourself as you are. If you like & don’t criticize your body, your children are likely not to be critical about themselves. The model’s perfect body projected by the media isn’t real. Help your children to understand the media.

Honoring the Gift of Children Not Criticizing Body Size & Shape If you want a healthy body size for your child, healthful food and activity will help them get and keep that body. Help your children to find clothes that fit & look good. Help your children like their bodies by focusing on the positive. Have discussions with your children that weight & appearance are not the most important aspects of their identity & self worth.

Honoring the Gift of Children Being Physically Active Can help achieve & maintain a healthy body weight. Can be an organized sport like football, basketball, & martial arts or casual like walking, jogging, Frisbee, swimming, dancing, biking, or skating.

Honoring the Gift of Children Being Physically Active When balanced with food intake can help achieve & maintain a healthy body weight. Can relieve stress. Improves mood & sense of well being.

Honoring the Gift of Children Being Physically Active Vary activities & get activities suggestions from adults & children. Be active outside by walking, biking, or playing active games. Downplay competition; no one likes the feeling of being last. Replace an unhealthy behavior with a healthy behavior. Be active together.

Honoring the Gift of Children Being Physically Active Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity above the usual work or home activity for adults. Aim for at least 60 minutes of physical activity above usual school or home activity for children. Combine shorter activity sessions to get the same benefit as one longer session.

Honoring the Gift of Children Being Physically Active Choose activity requiring no new skill or equipment, such as walking, climbing stairs, or jogging. Limit screen time (TV, video games, computer) to two hours or less per day. Don’t use TV to reward or punish; it makes TV seem more important.