Are Overweight Kids the Result of Bad Parenting?

Absolutely! Parents must conquer many enemies to keep their children slender and healthy in today's society. Adversaries include fast food restaurants, television, video games, vending machines and physical education cut backs. Armed with the proper weapons of love, energy, time, commitment, knowledge, support and determination, parents can attack these challenges and win.

When kids are young, parents are able to control the portions and contents of the foods their children eat. Parents decide what foods to buy, which meals to prepare and the snack choices to offer their children. They can also control the amount of time their children are watching television or playing soccer in the field. Instilling the proper diet and exercise values in your children early will encourage them to make healthy choices as young adults.

Obesity in children happens because parents are oblivious to the problem or do not have the knowledge required to prevent it. It's easier to do nothing and blame others for our children's weight problems. Obese parents may not see anything wrong with their child's weight or the need to correct it. Quoting boston.com, "1/3 of all US school children are either overweight or close to becoming so". Problems of childhood obesity include elevated blood pressure, high cholesterol, joint problems, reparatory issues, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, low self-esteem and depression.

Children mimic the lifestyle and attitudes of their family. Parents may have to change their own eating and exercising habits to keep their children healthy. Pay attention to the foods your children eat and the potions you serve them. Monitor the fat and calorie content. Stop serving dessert with every meal. Don't buy junk food. Offer praise and rewards when your children make healthy choices and make sure they are getting adequate sleep. Don't use food as a reward, to keep your children amused or as a pacifier to stop your children from crying. They will still love you even if you do not give them every candy their hearts desire.

Whether overweight children are a result of a genetic predisposition or environmental factors is a question best left for scientists to determine. I'm not judging. It wouldn't surprise me if my children were overweight one day. Even knowing I tried my best would not stop me from partially blaming myself. It may not be right, but that's what parents do. Children are a reflection of ourselves and our parenting abilities. We need to step up and take action immediately. Our children's physical and emotional health is worth fighting for!