Kids and Obesity

Dear friends,

Child obesity is a very serious matter in our culture today and it breaks my heart to see so many children in such state. The sight of a little one that is completely out of shape is very sad to me. As a child I remember being a tree climber and running in the rain kind of girl and I can't imagine being a kid and not being able to do those types of things because of extra weight. I don't judge parents by any means, but we are the ones in control here. I once prayed to the Lord asking Him to help me because it was so hard to discipline my son. It broke my heart to have to tell him no, but the Lord clearly showed me that not disciplining him was a selfish act. We as parents are all that they have to guide them, teach them and be an example to them. If you have to break their little hearts by saying no to something that could potentially harm them is not mean of you... that is what I call love. The foods that they eat and what they do with their day is pretty much on us. We are the ones buying the chips full of chemicals or video games that are so addictive. We are the ones to blame, not them!! Pardon my honesty here, but we have to start acting more responsible in this area of obesity. If we don't we will be leading them towards a life without energy and full of health problems, mentally and physically. Also, think about this: you are only a child once! How sad it is to not enjoy this time that they are so innocent and so full of energy! A child really knows how to enjoy life, they giggle at the silliest things, they skip around for no particular reason and they love just because. Let's help them to enjoy this precious time which is their childhood by encouraging them to. It is never too late to change their diet and to say no because I love you. They may not understand now, but they will one day and you as parent will not regret it. The main thing too is to live by example, eat the way you want them to eat and be active the way you want them to be active. Remember that they are children, so make eating a fun thing and be creative with the fruits and veggies. Educate yourself about what foods will benefit them the most,  but you can't go wrong with the fruits and vegetables! When it comes to exercise it is very simple... let them have fun!! There is no benefit in putting a child on a treadmill and tell them to walk because it is good for them. Weight lifting is not appropriate until a certain age and if there comes a point that they show interest (usually in their teen years) then it should be done under the care of a certified and knowledgeable professional specialized in child training. Being active is easy, specially when you are a kid, all they need is a little encouragement. Television and video games is very limited here at our home, but if my son asks to go play outside I rarely hesitate to say no, unless we have school work or chores to do. In fact I love playing with him and watching his little face glow as we play and bond together. Some examples of fun activities is playing catch, racing, kicking a ball back and forth, riding bikes, dancing, climbing a safe tree (with parent assistance of course) and putting them in sports if you can. Sports not only keeps them active, but it teaches them to interact with others, morals and it gives you opportunities to have many "talks" with them, like the importance of sportsmanship or respect towards their coach and teammates. Regardless of what you do with them they will simply appreciate that you are taking the time from your precious busy day to be with them and do something that they love to do. Don't force them, just encourage them and try to find what activity makes them smile and say "that was fun!". Taking care of our children's future is not just making sure they get the best education, their well being and the memories with us are much more important and will last a lifetime. Enjoy this time with them and keep them healthy, it will benefit them for the rest of their lives!

With much love and sincerity, Karina