Growing Strong Families Reminds Parents Obesity Prevention Starts Young
Sidney, Iowa, (March 2009) –With warmer weather approaching, Growing Strong Families and Iowa State University Extension in Fremont County encourage families and their children to promote healthy lifestyles.
Growing Strong Families (GSF) is a free parent education program offered to Fremont County families by Iowa State University Extension located in Sidney. The program utilizes the Parents As Teachers curriculum, and the vast research-based information the Extension service provides.
Growing Strong Families wants to remind parents that preventing childhood obesity and leading a healthy lifestyle starts early. Childhood obesity has evolved into an epidemic in our country; the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about one-third of children are overweight or are at-risk for becoming overweight.
Growing Strong Families recognizes the importance of developing positive eating and fitness habits in young children.
Parents as Teachers National Centers has developed nutrition and fitness curriculum, trainings and supplemental materials for parents and early childhood professionals.
Here are four tips offered by early childhood experts at the National Center for keeping your child healthy and fit:
- Learn to read your child’s hunger cues – Young children have an innate ability for judging when they are hungry or full and will express themselves accordingly. If your child is full, he might close his mouth or turn away when food is offered. Because children’s portion sizes are smaller, don’t offer too much food at one time. A good rule of thumb for portion sizes is one tablespoon of food for each year of a young child’s age.
- Avoid serving the same foods often – This will help your child avoid the desire to eat the same few foods often. If he turns down the food offered, resist the urge give him something later when he is hungry. He will learn to eat the less preferred food to avoid hunger.
- Exercise together – By playing with your child and including him in your exercise routine, you will teach him from a very early age that exercise is important. Go on walks, play together at the playground, stretch together on the floor; this will also boost your child’s motor development.
- Make a healthy lifestyle a priority for the entire family – Good nutrition and fitness is essential and beneficial for the entire family. Children learn how to behave by watching and imitating their parents. Be a good role model and let your child see you eating well and exercising.
With the summer months approaching fast, why not make it part of your family’s routine now to exercise daily and develop a healthier outlook on eating and being active.
For more information on this topic or other child development and parenting information, call Growing Strong Families Parent Educator Heidi Lowthorp at the ISU Extension Office in Sidney at 712-374-2351.