Health Tip: Discuss Weight With Your Child

From Our 2011 Archives

(HealthDay News) -- Talking about weight with your child can be difficult, but it's important to foster a healthy attitude toward weight and eating.

The American Dietetic Association offers these suggestions for having this discussion:

If your son or daughter is overweight, encourage the child to take action to lose weight. Take steps toward this end as a family, so your child doesn't feel isolated.
Never bribe or punish your child to lose weight.
Make sure both parents and other family members agree on how to best handle weight issues, so the message to the child is clear and consistent.
Talk to your child's doctor about weight.
Seek help from local programs or professionals who can help your child deal with weight issues.

-- Diana Kohnle