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Above Average Health Habits
Encouraging Your Preteen to Get Fit
By Lisa A. Goldstein
If preteens continue poor habits – whether it's drinking a lot of soda or watching a lot of TV – they'll get lazy, overweight, underachieve and start to believe that they can't do as much as others, says Erika Karres, a preteen expert with over 35 years of experience. "This is the time to rein in the weight gain," she says. "For kids to reach their full potential, parents have to participate with a sense of humor, flexibility, little hints and their own best example."
Some of Karres' suggestions include increasing your preteen's sleep time, examining their food intake and adding vegetables and fruits, and teaching them that the best TV channel is Channel O-F-F. She also suggests letting them have a pet, which requires activity and relieves stress.
The most important change is to make exercise a family affair. When exercise is done as a family, the child associates the action with healthy living, not a health problem, says Steinback. She also encourages parents to help children find activities they enjoy, because this builds self-confidence along with strength and endurance.
"Keep it fun, not competitive," Steinback says. "Expose children to all types of activities at a young age, and let them find their 'exercise niche.' Plan family outings and vacations around physical activities the family enjoys. Give children chores that require physical exertion – keep the chores age appropriate and emphasize responsibility as well as exercise. Choose fitness-oriented gifts (jump rope, bike, basketball, etc.) to match your child's interests and skill level."