Depending on the age of your child you may want to talk with them about the importance of staying healthy and fit. Listed below are some general tips for you to consider. Your pediatrician will also be helpful in talking with your child. Your doctor can advise you on safe and fun ways to get your kids moving and eating healthy. He/she can also help you plan for any physical limitations that your child may have.
Use the tips below to ensure that you are talking with your child in the most effective way.
Dos and Don’ts of Talking with Children of All Ages
| Do |
Don't |
| Provide information |
Lecture |
| Look and watch |
Be judgemental |
| Ask questions |
Have all the answers |
| Suggest choices |
Punish |
| Be honest |
Be manipulative |
| Tread lightly |
Nag |
| Provide support |
Threaten |
| Praise their skills and talents |
Criticize |
| Encourage |
Push |
| Be a role model yourself for eating and active play |
Say one thing and do another |
| Make small changes |
Change everything at once |
| Make it fun! |
Make it a chore |
You can also visit the link below to help your preschooler (ages 2-5) eat well, be active, and be healthy.
http://www.mypyramid.gov/preschoolers/index.html
If your child is within the ages of 6-11 then visit the link below for more information.
http://www.mypyramid.gov/kids/index.html