The Importance Of Parental Involvement On Childhood Obesity

Importance of Parental Involvement in Preventing Childhood Obesity Childhood obesity is directly linked with a child’s nutritional intake and the amount of their physical activity. In the current literature, the researchers has analyzed and studied how parental influence affect their children in the development of childhood obesity as well as, in its prevention. Effective interventions such as promoting healthy eating and physical activity are habits that can develop at home. Parents are the first liner in prevention of childhood obesity. The researchers Ana Lindsay, Katrina Sussner, Juhee Kim, and Steven Gortmaker (2006) has argued, that parents should be involved and considered to be the primary source in determining their†¦show more content†¦During their child’s toddler years, parents need to expose them to healthy foods including fruits and vegetables to their children. They also need to focus on outdoor activities for their toddlers. Physical activi ty is more important at this age to burn off extra calories. It is important for the parents to keep in mind that, at this age the children develop the habit of healthy eating and physical activity. According to national data for school-aged children and youth, 16 percent of children aged six to nineteen years are overweight. During this developmental stage, children focus more on school, peers and different media. At this stage, they also start to fall out of their parent’s reach. Parents should continue providing healthy home foods and encourage their children to have family meals eaten together (Lindsay, A.C. et. al., 2006). Several studies indicated that consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks play a major role in childhood obesity during adolescence. Parents can control that by maintaining a soda-free home. Creating healthy environment at home by providing healthy food habits and practice physical activities is the primary responsibility of the parents. They need to have the access of getting knowledge for healthy food selection, home eating practices and importance of physical activities. The authors also pointed out that the researchers, policymakers and practitioners should develop effective interventions and