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You are here: Home / Dad / Countering childhood obesity – yes, it can be done

Countering childhood obesity – yes, it can be done

November 30, 2011 by GreatDad Writers Leave a Comment

As a dad, you want to ensure that your children are leading a healthy and active lifestyle. However, with the rise in popularity of junk food and fast food in recent years, getting kids to eat right has never been more challenging – leading to a fitness epidemic plaguing America's youth. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control reports that obesity in children ages 6 to 11 has jumped from 7 percent in 1980 to nearly 20 percent in 2008. Similarly, the number of overweight children aged 12 to 19 years increased from five percent to 18 percent in the same time frame.

Because of this, monitoring the eating habits of your children has become increasingly important for today's parents. And, establishing wholesome snacking habits can play a major role in your young children's health for the rest of their lives.

While you can't monitor your kids' eating routines at school, you can certainly use that information to help decide what they consume at home. Young children generally eat a midday snack at school in addition to lunch, while teenagers usually only eat one meal. If you tend to sit down for dinner on the early side, provide lighter snacks like crackers, nuts, vegetables and fruit along with water to hold them over. For families that eat later in the evening due to demanding work schedules, consider something slightly more filling like hummus or small sandwiches.

If the only snacks in your house are chips, cookies, candy and soft drinks, then that's what your children are going to want when they get home. You don't have to completely eliminate these treats from your pantry, but compromise by buying healthier, alternative snack options like baked chips, sugar-free iced tea or whole grain vegetable crackers. By setting this precedent in your home, you'll help kids make good dietary decision that will help them lead long and healthy lives.

Filed Under: Dad, Kids

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Great Dad Talks is a series of conversations with experts on all aspects of the family adventure. With the perspective that “dads don’t always think like moms,” our mission is to support dad voices and our slightly different approaches to parenting. We’ll try to find solutions to every day challenges like getting kids off the couch and making STEM classes available for both boys and girls. But we’ll also tackle bigger issues when they come. The one main theme will be to support dads in the most important role of their lives that of being a great dad. Connect with us at greatdad.com and watch the video version of these podcasts at YouTube.com/greatdadnews

Decoding Dad’s Mental Load with Zach Watson
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In this episode of Great Dad Talks, guest Zach Watson dives deep into the often-misunderstood topic of “mental load” in modern partnerships and parenting. Zach, known for his educational and relatable takes on invisible labor in relationships, shares how the mental and emotional workload disproportionately impacts women—often in ways that go unrecognized by men.

Whether you’re struggling with household challenges, feeling disconnected from your partner, or just want to strengthen your role as a dad and partner, this episode is for you. 

Check out Jim’s website at zachthinkshare.com

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