1. Preventing Childhood Obesity – By june saxton
What Parents Can Do

2. Give Them a Good Start 1. Breastfeed
2. Introduce them to a wide variety of foods
(Beauchamp & Mennella, 2009) & (Birch & Ventura, 2009)
References:
Beauchamp, G. K. & Mennella, J . A. (2009). Early Flavor Learning and Its Impact on Later Feeding Behavior. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition, DOI:.1097/MPG.0b013e a5
Birch, L. L., & Ventura, A. K. (2009). Preventing childhood obesity: what works?
International Journal of Obesity, 33S74-S81. DOI: /ijo

3. Limit Fast Food When it is allowed as a special treat:
1. Child sized portions
2. Healthy sides
3. Low or non-fat milk (no sodas!)
4. Skip the mayo
5. Choose a whole wheat bun if available
6. Grilled chicken instead of a burger is a better choice.
(AHA, 2011)
Reference:
Make Fast Food Friendlier. (2010). American Heart Association, Retrieved May 28, 2011 from

4. Use grocery shopping & food advertising as a Teaching Tool
1. Read food labels together
2. Involve them in picking healthy food
3. Discuss the advertising with them and help
them distinguish between healthy and unhealthy food.
(AHA, 2011)
Reference:
 Help Kids Develop Healthy Eating Habits. (2011). American Heart Association, Retrieved May 28, 2011 from

5. Have Family Meal Times & Cook Together
1. Kids who eat with their parents are more likely to eat healthy.
2. Involving kids in the cooking process helps
them develop a healthy relationship with food.
(Hammons & Fiese, 2010) & (What is Yum-o, n.d.)
References:
Hammons, A. J. & Fiese, B. H. (2011). Is the Frequency of Family Meal Times Related to the Nutritional Health of Children and Adolescents? Pediatrics, DOI: /peds Retrieved May 28, 2011 from
Rachael Ray (n.d.), What is Yum-o? Retrieved May 28, 2011 from

6. Take control of what your child eats at school
Unite with other parents to let the school
district know that you are concerned about school lunches.
2. Encourage them to teach healthy eating in the classroom.
(Jalonick, 2011).
Reference:
Jalonick, M .C. (January 12, 2011). New Guidelines would make school lunches healthier. Health News, Retrieved May 31, 2011 from

7. Use the USDA’s NEW MY Plate
Make ½ the plate fruits & vegetables
¼ the plate whole grains
¼ the plate lean protein
(USDA, 2011)
Reference:
Choose My Plate.gov. (May 31, 2011).United States Department of Agriculture,  Retrieved June 3, 2011 from 

8. Make sure that they get exercise daily.
1. Limit media time.
2. Encourage them to play outdoors.
3. Get them involved in sports.
. (Birch et al., 2009)
Reference:
Birch, L. L., & Ventura, A. K. (2009). Preventing childhood obesity: what works?
International Journal of Obesity, 33S74-S81. DOI: /ijo