Talking about weight loss can be very sensitive. When parents approach the topic it’s important to be kind and caring, simply because how you discuss a child’s weight problem can make a big difference in helping him/her deal with it.

– Keep your goals modest in the first few weeks and don’t let your child feel that exercising or eating healthy is a kind of punishment.

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Stick to a routine, and make a group activity with your child’s friends so exercising can be fun.

– Teach him/her how to make smart choices, by explaining why fatty food is not healthy.

– Go with your child to the grocery store and let him choose healthy food by himself (vegetables, fruits).

– If your child is used to eating chocolate every day, try to limit or decrease gradually the quantity to 3 servings a week.

– Help your child make the connection between food and body in a simple way, by showing how healthy food can make him/her stronger and healthier (food can help us build muscles, have nice hair, teeth, run faster …)

– As parents you have to set good examples to your children. Once they see that daily activity and eating healthy is good to you, they will want to imitate you and be active too.

– It’s important to talk to your child in a positive way, be gentle and do not use harmful worlds to express your feelings. Show respect and admire your child’s body.

– Do not compare him/her to other kids.