Developing a Healthy Attitude About Food Starts Early

Reports have surfaced showing that young children are increasingly being admitted to treatment programs for eating disorders. Children in elementary school are aware of their body image and the pressure to be thin. In light of the national obesity epidemic, some children are inundated with messages focusing on weight, health and fitness.

An article posted on the site for the Coastal Times highlights the important role that families play in helping children develop healthy attitudes about food from a young age. Rather than employing food in the roles of rewards and punishments, families must help kids to see food as fuel.

Additionally, when there is a weight concern in a family member, parents should not focus on putting that person on a diet. Instead, a very general effort should be made to help the family, as a unit, integrate healthier habits related to diet and exercise. This helps a child not feel singled out, and the whole family can benefit from improved habits.

It is especially important that children not be taught to eat when they are not hungry. If we teach children that eating is necessary in response to hunger, and not to eat for other reasons such as boredom or loneliness, the foundation is set for ongoing healthy habits. Children who are rewarded with food or given food to keep them entertained may develop unhealthy ideas about what the purpose of food is.

Tags: children, prevention