I read an article today that said that in a study of 8717 children between the ages of 4 and 9 showed higher rates of obesity in girls from single parent families. They said those same girls watched more televisions, ate more foods high in fat and sugar and less fruits and vegetable than girls in dual parent households. They authors of this study were quick to point out that this doesn’t mean single parents are doing a bad job, just that this is the result of the stress of single parenting, especially single parenting girls.
Girls overall are more likely to be less active than boys and single parents may not be able to afford to live in a neighborhood they think is safe enough for their child to play outside so of course they watch more television.
What can we do to make sure that our girls don’t battle their weight all their lives? First of all, children follow our lead, if we are active they will be more active. Get them out of the house. This is not always easy with all the other things a single parent has to take care of but even a twenty minute walk before bedtime will get your child some exercise and also provide a time for the two of you to talk about the day. Buy bikes at a thrift store and take a short bike ride every day, this will give you the opportunity to teach the rules of the road as well.
If you really can’t get outside find things to do in the house. Turn off the TV and turn on some music while you cook dinner, you and your children can dance and be silly in the kitchen. Play Twister, teach your kids how to hula hoop, there are many things you can adapt to do in the house if you just give it a little thought.
Finally, make it easy for them to choose healthy snacks. Keep apples cut up in a container, spray with lemon juice so they don’t turn brown; make sure you have bananas, which are quick and easy to grab. Kids like to dip things so make a low fat dip and cut up carrots and celery. Wrap sandwich fixings in a lettuce leaf instead of bread, when you watch a movie choose popcorn that isn’t saturated with butter.
Each little thing we do will help our children make better choices so they grow up happy and healthy.