It may be difficult to keep your children at a healthy weight. Experts say the best way is to offer them healthy foods and drinks, and to set a good example yourself.
The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests how parents should teach kids about healthy eating:
- Feed your child a healthy, nutritious and balanced diet, including lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Be sure to include an appropriate number of calories, based on the child's age.
- Limit sugary drinks to no more than one serving per day. Encourage your children to drink water.
- Make healthy eating a family habit. Eat meals together at the table, and turn off the TV at meal time.
- Don't push your children to eat when not hungry or to finish all the food on the plate; let your children eat slowly and stop eating when they start to feel full.
- Offer your children rewards other than food.
- Limit fast-food meals.
Health Tip: Keep a Kid-Friendly Kitchen
The kitchen can be a dangerous place for young children.
Since it's impractical for many parents to keep youngsters out of the kitchen all the time, the American Academy of Pediatrics offers these safety suggestions:
- Store all cleaning products, furniture polish and other chemicals in a high cabinet. If they are kept within a child's reach, such as under the sink, make sure the cabinet is secured with a child-proof lock.
- Store all sharp utensils and instruments in a locked drawer, and all sharp appliances -- such as food processors -- out of reach.
- Keep all electrical cords out of a child's reach.
- Cook with pot handles turned toward the back of the stove, and use care when moving hot liquids.
- Remove knobs from the stove if possible.
- Choose an oven with enough insulation that keeps it from getting hot to the touch.
- Store matches in a high cabinet.
- Keep a fire extinguisher mounted in a convenient, high place.
- Don't use small magnets to secure items to the refrigerator; they could pose a choking hazard.
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