If the kids have been out of school for a couple weeks now, then they may be starting to complain about boredom. They've slept as much as they can, played all the video games in their arsenals and watched all their shows. Now what? You've probably heard that childhood obesity is an epidemic in the U.S., but what does that mean? Approximately one in five children is overweight, whether it's a result of too much junk food, not enough moving or not enough physical activity at school. Physical education programs are going the way of music and arts programs in terms of funding, so parents can't depend on schools to provide exercise to their kids. New studies reveal that up to 75 percent of parents don't recognize that their children are overweight, and 50 percent don't recognize when their children are clinically obese!
Summer is a great time to get them involved in community sports programs, swimming lessons and fitness camps that get them outside and moving, plus allow for social interaction. Try to get the whole family involved in fitness and move for at least half an hour a day. Limit TV and computer time, and plan and eat meals together. Just as you wouldn't reward meeting your own healthy goals with a food indulgence, don't reward your children with food, either. And a quick fix or crash diet won't work for you or your child. Make small changes and incorporate healthy habits that everyone can use long-term.