... continued from Cover the development of eating disorders” as well as low self-esteem. Approach the topic gently and without pointing fingers.
Leave Numbers at the Door
Try to frame success in terms of fitness and comfort rather than weight loss. If you can ignore the scale entirely, that’s even better. Instead of focusing on pounds or clothing size, psychologist Dr. Michaela M. Bucchianeri says in a WebMD article that it’s best to “talk about healthful eating and how to balance that with exercise, sleep, and mental health hygiene.” Similarly, doctors advise ditching the word “diet” entirely. The National Eating Disorders Association reports that more than half of teen girls and almost one-third of teen boys use unhealthy weight control behaviors such as skipping meals, fasting, and taking laxatives, which are often associated with fad diets. Don’t count calories or ban certain food groups. Instead, advocate for an emphasis on Discourage Dieting
Set a Good Example
healthy eating and recommend sweets in moderation.
Above all, don’t contradict your own advice. If you’re telling your teen to eat rice bowls and fruit while chowing down on fast food yourself, they are less likely to improve their health and probably resent your overtures. If your own lifestyle could use some improvement, try the strategy Gramercy Pediatrics medical director Dr. Dyan Hes shared with WebMD: “As a parent, you can say, ‘Listen, I’ve struggled with my weight all my life. I don’t want you to have the same problems I do. I really want to get healthy. Let’s do it together.’”
Make Smart Choices Easy
Even for the laziest commuter, walking to work can start to look just as attractive as driving if the office is only a few blocks away. Similarly, you can set your teen up for success by making healthy choices just as easy, or even easier, than unhealthy ones. Try buying them a membership to a nearby gym; stocking the fridge with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; and planning family activities that encourage fitness, like hikes and bike rides.
When it comes to explaining the disease and its consequences, younger children may require fewer details and broader concepts, while older kids may need more comprehensive answers to their questions. A 5-year-old is going to have different concerns than a 16-year-old, so your approach must be different. However, regardless of your child’s age, always tell the truth. Focus on Prevention Education A loved one doesn’t have to be diagnosed with cancer for you to educate your family about the disease and its prevention. Studies have linked prevention efforts, including anti-smoking campaigns and healthy lifestyle programs, to actually preventing cancer. (In fact, half of all cancers can be prevented!) Teach your child about the dangers of tobacco, alcohol, and excessive sun exposure to foster healthy habits and lifestyles. Organizations that host walks, benefits, and other events for cancer prevention and research can be great sources of education for families, too. Talking to Your Kids About Cancer A DIFFICULT DISCUSSION
As pink-clad products line store shelves this October in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, children are bound to be curious. Since they rationalize the world around them with what they already know, kids may ask silly questions like, “Is cancer contagious?”Whether you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer or you just feel it’s time to educate your children about the disease, answering questions can be difficult. These tips can help you prepare. Always Tell the Truth Telling a child that you or a loved one has cancer can be complicated. To start, the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends giving yourself time after hearing the news of a cancer diagnosis to process this new reality. Two-parent households should tell their children together, while single parents are encouraged to ask an adult with a positive influence on the child’s life to join the conversation. Remember, your child will be experiencing the same emotions as you but in a kid’s body, where hormones and developmental changes are already wreaking havoc. Monitor their emotions and offer them space and opportunities to discuss their feelings with a professional.
The ACS has resources for families living with cancer or those wanting to learn more. Visit Cancer.org for more information.
2 • www.TyWilsonLaw.com
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