Let’s face it, today many children are heavier than they should be and,therefore,are facing serious health consequences that could last a lifetime. Compared with a child who is not overweight, an overweight child is much more likely to become an overweight adult. As a parent, you have the greatest influence on your child’s diet and exercise habits and, whether you realize it, are daily making decisions that will affect your child’s current and future nutrition and health patterns. Part of your responsibility as a parent is to teach your children how to lead healthy lives now and when they are adults.

The best time to start teaching these lessons to children is when they’re young, before unhealthy choices become bad habits. The advice on healthy habits and the proven tips contained in this article will help you to talk to your children about diet, nutrition, and physical activity.

1. Discuss the importance of healthy diet and lifestyle choices with your child. Remember to talk about health, not about weight.

2. Create a healthy eating plan; do not put your child on a diet. Many diets that are popular with adults have never been tested on children, and a healthy, balanced diet is the goal for children.

3. Allow sweets or treats, such as candy and other snacks, in moderation rather than eliminate them. Children who learn the importance of balanced eating will be better-equipped to manage their own diet as adults.

4. Give your child plenty of healthy alternatives. Focusing only on what he or she cannot eat does not teach your child to make healthy choices.

5. Do not use food as leverage in a relationship. Do not holdback food as a punishment, and do not offer food as a reward.

6. Encourage your child to make better food choices. Communicating your interest in his or her health is more effective than focusing on shortcomings.

7. Have your child sit down, eat a balanced meal, and then move on to a fun activity. Do not let your child eat in his or her bedroom or in front of the television, constantly leaving and returning to the table.

8. Practice what you preach. If you eat right, it will be easier to get your child to eat right as well.

9. Be a role model. Be active yourself.

10. Promote better nutrition by having regular meal and snack times. Restrict all-day snacking.