How healthy is your child?

As parents, it's easy to overlook your children's unhealthy habits because, in your eyes, they seem so perfect. But a 2009 survey from the Heart and Stroke Foundation revealed that parents aren't always able to recognize when their children are having problems. For example, approximately 14% of parents reported their child is "somewhat overweight" and only 1% that their child is "very overweight," and yet, statistics show that 26% of Canadian children aged two to 17 years of age are overweight or obese. What's more, a 2008 study by Statistics Canada, which compared child and parent reports on their child's leisure time activity found 33% of the children reported more computer and video games usage than their parents estimated, and 34% of children reported more television viewing. "It's a natural instinct not to see the worst in anyone, especially in our children," says Dr. Sean Wharton, a Heart and Stroke Foundation funded research and expert in obesity. "We need parents to think about the importance of actions that promote a healthy weight as a means of prevention in the same way they look at washing hands, brushing teeth and getting vaccines."

But what can a parent do to help their kids stay on track to a healthy lifestyle – now and for life? Dr. Wharton says playing the blame game is not the answer. However, parents are very important in guiding their children to choose healthy habits. Here's what he suggests:

Be educated, aware and involved with your kids

The first step for encouraging healthier weights and healthier habits in our kids is awareness, says Dr. Wharton. "If we're not aware there's a problem, we can't fix it." He says that it's important for parents to learn about healthy habits alongside their children. He says that's not the only challenge, though. "There's also an issue of family dynamics and the level of control a parent has over their children. In many cases, we're not even at the point where parents are saying, "Johnny, why aren't you eating your broccoli," because they're dealing with asking the question, "Johnny, why don't you listen to me?" Many studies have shown that kids imitate their parents' behaviours, so showing an eagerness to learn about health, to be active and to eat right could be important first steps in getting your kids' health on track.

Focus on healthy, affordable food

Dr. Wharton knows it can be difficult when children stubbornly refuse to eat the foods that are best for them, but he says as soon as parents realize just how important it is to stick to their values, the kids will start to reap the benefits. For example, he says, when children ask for unhealthy foods, parents need to be firm and not give in to constant demands for junk food. "Parents do their children a disservice by caving in," says Dr. Wharton. "When children see that you're serious and consistent, they'll learn how to control their unhealthy habits, too."

Recent studies have also shown that for many parents, buying the right foods may also seem like they need to buy the more expensive foods. "But there are ways you can get inexpensive food that's still nutritious," he says. You can watch for sales, clip coupons, visit local farmers' markets or join a food-share program that delivers farm-fresh vegetables and fruit at a reduced cost. (See resources below.)