Tips to Get Kids to Be Healthier This School Year

Childhood obesity rates have skyrocketed over the past 30 years. Right now, one-third of American kids are overweight or obese.
“Unfortunately, healthy eating for kids isn’t always stressed consistently.” says Debbie Blacher, founder of Wholesome Tummies, a children’s food franchise devoted to bringing nutritious meals to schools. “Many kids lack access to nutritious food and good information about healthful eating and behaviors.”

Since most kids consume half their daily calories at school, healthy eating habits must be addressed both at home and in the classroom, she stresses.

Blacher, a mom herself and an expert on crafting healthful school lunches, is offering these lunch packing tips for parents:

• Make a bento box: Instead of packing the traditional entrée and sides, make lunch out of small snacks in a multi-compartment box.   Hardboiled eggs, raisins, an apple or other fresh fruit, crackers, tuna fish, pasta salad, veggies, dips and more.
• Travel the world: Go with an international theme each day, such as Mexican, Asian or Italian. Include an educational note about the meal’s origin.
• Include a surprise: Kids love surprises, such as favorite photos, stickers or a reminder about an upcoming event. A lunch box surprise can make your child’s day extra special.

Busy parents may not have the time to pack lunch each day. But programs like Wholesome Tummies are providing schools with affordable, healthy, kid-friendly lunches. More information can be found at www.wholesometummies.com.

But nutrition is only half the equation. As screen time competes for kids’ attention, active time is decreasing. And exercise is crucial to preventing obesity, improving motor skills and providing a social outlet.

Unfortunately, not all kids are receptive.

“One of the biggest challenges is getting shy kids to participate,” says Jyl Camhi, co-founder of Great Play, a children’s gym franchise that uses interactive technology and a progressive curriculum based on motor-skill development.

Camhi is offering tips to coax a child forward in a group fitness scenario:

• Allow spectating: The first time in a new environment can be emotionally draining. Stay for an entire class and return the next time.
• Never force participation: Be a source of comfort for your child while he or she sits on the sidelines. Your child will feed off your energy.
• Look for peer leaders: Outgoing children are often thrilled to help another child feel more comfortable.
• Sometimes leaving helps: Oftentimes kids behave better when they don’t have a parental crutch to lean on.
• Pay attention to leaders’ personalities: Whether it’s classes, sports or school, the leader can make or break the experience.  Does the coach make kids comfortable?  Look for telltale signs and find a coach that works well with your child.

More information about kids’ fitness or to find a Great Play Franchise near you can be found at www.GreatPlay.com.

There are some trends not worth following — and an unhealthy lifestyle is one of them. With the right tools and tricks, you can be a positive influence on your kids’ health.