As a pediatrician, I work daily with children and their parents who struggle with obesity. It is an issue that goes beyond numbers on a scale. It touches on health, self-esteem, and a child’s overall quality of life. In this article, I want to share my experiences and give parents practical advice for working together with their child to achieve a healthy future.
Obesity: More than Weight Alone
One of the most important lessons I want to teach parents is that obesity is much more than a matter of eating too much or exercising too little. It often has multiple causes, including genetic predisposition, eating habits, stress, and environmental influence. What I often see is that parents feel guilty or ashamed when their child is overweight. There is no need for that. The important thing is that together you take steps toward change. Being overweight is not a personal failure, but a challenge that we can overcome together.
My Experiences with Parents and Children
What is always beautiful to see is the love and care with which parents want to help their children. Sometimes they just don’t know where to start. In addition, children may feel insecure or not know how to influence their own health. Here are some important things I have learned from my conversations with families:
-
Children want to participate
: Many children enjoy being involved in making healthy choices. Cooking or shopping together can be a great way to get them excited about healthy eating.
- Parents lead by example: Children learn by seeing, not just hearing. As a parent, you can be a powerful role model by instilling healthy habits.
- Focus on the positive: Don’t talk about what can’t be done, but about what can be done. Make healthy living fun and accessible, for example by trying new recipes together or finding an active hobby.
- Small steps do work best: Big changes can be overwhelming. Start small, such as drinking more water or adding an extra serving of vegetables to meals.
- Patience is important: Changing habits takes time. Don’t be discouraged by minor setbacks; the process is as important as the goal.
Practical Tips for Healthy Habits
- Eating becomes a party: Make healthy meals a family moment. Let your child help with simple tasks such as washing vegetables or decorating a dish.
- Moving is fun: Find ways to move more together that are fun, such as dancing, biking or playing a game in the park. Movement does not have to be an obligation; it can also be a time of connection.
- Create a healthy environment: Make sure healthy choices are easy to make. For example, put fruits and vegetables at eye level and limit the amount of unhealthy snacks in your home.
- Talk openly about emotions: Food is sometimes used to process emotions. If your child is feeling sad or angry, talk about it together and find other ways to deal with those feelings.
- Make it achievable: Don’t set unrealistic goals. Every step counts, whether it’s a healthier lunch, a walk after dinner, or less screen time.
Together to a Healthy Future
What I always want to impart to children and parents is that a healthy lifestyle is not a punishment, but an opportunity to become stronger together. It is a process of small changes that, with time and attention, make a big difference. I understand that sometimes it can feel overwhelming. But you are not alone. With every step you take, you are helping your child move a little further toward a future where they feel healthy and confident. And remember: perfection is not necessary, it’s about a sustainable balance that suits your family. I see every day how powerful the bond between parent and child is, and how it can be harnessed together for positive change. Let’s take the first step together – for a healthy, happy future for your child.
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As a pediatrician, I work daily with children and their parents who struggle with obesity. It is an issue that goes beyond numbers on a scale. It touches on health, self-esteem, and a child’s overall quality of life. In this article, I want to share my experiences and give parents practical advice for working together with their child to achieve a healthy future.
Obesity: More than Weight Alone
One of the most important lessons I want to teach parents is that obesity is much more than a matter of eating too much or exercising too little. It often has multiple causes, including genetic predisposition, eating habits, stress, and environmental influence. What I often see is that parents feel guilty or ashamed when their child is overweight. There is no need for that. The important thing is that together you take steps toward change. Being overweight is not a personal failure, but a challenge that we can overcome together.
My Experiences with Parents and Children
What is always beautiful to see is the love and care with which parents want to help their children. Sometimes they just don’t know where to start. In addition, children may feel insecure or not know how to influence their own health. Here are some important things I have learned from my conversations with families:
-
Children want to participate
: Many children enjoy being involved in making healthy choices. Cooking or shopping together can be a great way to get them excited about healthy eating.
- Parents lead by example: Children learn by seeing, not just hearing. As a parent, you can be a powerful role model by instilling healthy habits.
- Focus on the positive: Don’t talk about what can’t be done, but about what can be done. Make healthy living fun and accessible, for example by trying new recipes together or finding an active hobby.
- Small steps do work best: Big changes can be overwhelming. Start small, such as drinking more water or adding an extra serving of vegetables to meals.
- Patience is important: Changing habits takes time. Don’t be discouraged by minor setbacks; the process is as important as the goal.
Practical Tips for Healthy Habits
- Eating becomes a party: Make healthy meals a family moment. Let your child help with simple tasks such as washing vegetables or decorating a dish.
- Moving is fun: Find ways to move more together that are fun, such as dancing, biking or playing a game in the park. Movement does not have to be an obligation; it can also be a time of connection.
- Create a healthy environment: Make sure healthy choices are easy to make. For example, put fruits and vegetables at eye level and limit the amount of unhealthy snacks in your home.
- Talk openly about emotions: Food is sometimes used to process emotions. If your child is feeling sad or angry, talk about it together and find other ways to deal with those feelings.
- Make it achievable: Don’t set unrealistic goals. Every step counts, whether it’s a healthier lunch, a walk after dinner, or less screen time.
Together to a Healthy Future
What I always want to impart to children and parents is that a healthy lifestyle is not a punishment, but an opportunity to become stronger together. It is a process of small changes that, with time and attention, make a big difference. I understand that sometimes it can feel overwhelming. But you are not alone. With every step you take, you are helping your child move a little further toward a future where they feel healthy and confident. And remember: perfection is not necessary, it’s about a sustainable balance that suits your family. I see every day how powerful the bond between parent and child is, and how it can be harnessed together for positive change. Let’s take the first step together – for a healthy, happy future for your child.
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Hi, I am Dr. Sultan Duyar
I am doctor Sultan Duyar, an experienced board-certified multilingual intercultural pediatrician and a lifestyle medicine doctor.
And most important I’m a proud mom of two great kids!
As a pediatrician and a lifestyle medicine doctor, I will not only focus on your disease and treatment but, with my team, will take a 360-degree approach to health and focus on the root cause of the underlying disease.
Life is beautiful with love!