Explain the need of exercise to children

Question:

Clare,

I have been following your articles in The Jakarta Post and wonder if you can help me with my daughter Flora who is six years old; height 129.5 centimeters, and weighs 36 kilos. She is generally in excellent health, able to fight off colds without too much trouble and very rarely has time off school for any reason.

Her general appearance is of a very sturdy, stocky character with only her stomach spoiling her whole image. Unfortunately she does have a "tummy", and we are at a loss to know how to trim it down. Flora is not by nature a sporty child, although she always participates in all the activities at school. She prefers art and her computer to riding her bike or jogging with her mother.

Flora is aware of her "tummy", and to her credit cuts down on her food and has realized that too much chocolate and McDonalds are not good for her. We don't want to deprive Flora of too many childhood pleasures but would like your thoughts on how we can help her to slim, or at least tighten her stomach muscles without making her feel that she is being deprived of anything.

Regards,

-- Adrian

Answer:

Dear Adrian,

Your concern about your daughter's weight is admirable. A good parent is rightfully troubled about any problem that may develop in the future. Although Flora is by no means obese; the incidence of heavy and overweight children who grow into obese adults is very high.

Without appearing too anxious, it's sensible to do something about this problem in the early stages. Some action can be taken in a relaxed and supportive way by improving Flora's diet and increasing her physical activity to lose that "tummy".

Children should have a healthy appetite and need a wide variety of nutrients at this important development stage, but too many unnecessary fats and sugars, junk foods or second helpings will lead to excess weight.

Healthy eating habits (or unhealthy ones) are formed in childhood. If you and her mother eat a good diet, Flora will mimic these patterns. Obviously, there will be some degree of peer pressure through friends about the latest candies, etc., but what is in the cupboards at home is far more important.

So, make a wide variety of healthy foods available, and don't keep any empty calorie foods and snacks in the house. Be good role models yourselves and never use food as a reward or punishment. Unfortunately Adrian, "Childhood pleasures" are sometimes only "Adult pleasures" being unintentionally transferred.

By the time Flora grows up, technology will have advanced amazingly and she will need to do even less physically. This is why it's vital to form a good exercise habit now. Regular exertion is as essential as a good diet.

Discourage homework immediately after school to allow Flora to find some diversion from the structure of the school day. Children should be active after school and before dinner.

Jogging is a fairly grown-up venture, so try to find something energetic that she really likes. Again, family involvement is critical. All go together and swim, play games, learn tennis; anything, as long as you are moving and it's enjoyable.

Flora seems a bright child. Explain to her how important physical exercise is, and that it will also help her with her art, computer and other school work. A good balance is needed for a happy and healthy childhood.

Incidentally, the latest thing in Europe is trampolining. This new "sport" is very exhilarating, extremely popular with all ages and you can become proficient in a few hours. A good sturdy home model only takes up a little room in a garden. If it's possible, why not have a word with Santa Claus? Good luck.

-- Clare E. Urwin