There was a time when it was a common sight to see kids playing on the playground or running up and down the street in the afternoons following their school day. I remember my mother having to “call me in” for dinner because I was soo involved in playtime. I dreaded to hear her voice yelling for me down the street. Ahh…those were the good old days. But, at the time, we had no idea how “GOOD” those days really were!

Fast forward many years and here we are in 2011. The economy is in such bad shape that cuts are being made left and right. These cuts oftentimes include the cutting of physical education programs in schools. Also, as much as I personally LOVE technology, the hard fact is that the advent of recent video games and other “gadgets” has made playing hopscotch or dodge ball less attractive to our youth. Instead, they rush home, plop down in front the the TV, load up on fast food, and play “Call of Duty” for hours on their computers!

These facts have played into the recent epidemic of childhood obesity that has swept our nation like a plague. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2008, over one third of our children were classified as overweight or obese. The obesity rate has TRIPLED over the past 30 years for kids. Nowadays, kids are consuming many more calories than they expend (or burn off playing basketball or riding a bike) in recent years. The latest news tells us that children under the age of 6 are now prone to obesity and those statistics are on the rise. And the increase in Type 2 Diabetes in young people is steadily growing.

It was bad enough for us, as adults, to “battle the bulge”. Now, this problem has crept into the lives of our kids. So what can we do? Recently, organizations such as Weight Watchers has recently offered FREE weight loss classes for children to help do their part in tackling the childhood obesity epidemic. But what can we (moms, dads, aunts, cousins, siblings) do to conquer this problem that could be getting out of control in our very homes?! Here are just a few simple suggestions that could make a HUGE impact on your health as well as your teen or child:

1) TURN OFF THE TV! Sounds simple, huh? Well it may not be if your teen or child has been conditioned to view the TV or computer as an extended family member. Instead, why not try setting aside a certain amount of time for family interaction each day or a least a few times a week that includes walks or going to the gym together.

2) Boycott Fast Food! I love a McDonald’s french fry ever now and then myself, but it is not wise to make this part of an everyday menu…for us adults as well as for our youth. Get them in the habit of eating fruits, veggies, and drinking PLENTY of water on a daily basis and leave the occasional run to Burger King for the weekend or better yet….maybe once or twice a month.

3) Pick “healthier” food on the menu. Even at fast food restaurants, it is usually better to get the chicken sandwich instead of the double cheeseburger! Most restaurants and fast food chains are offering healthier choices like apples and yogurt.

4) Become a label reader. Start training kids to read labels and educate them on the harmful effects of too much sodium or fat. Teach them how to watch their calorie intake. Do it together…you BOTH will benefit

5) Talk to the doctor. If the above changes are not yielding changes in your already overweight teen or child, then it may be time to talk to your doctor to address any possible underlying issues. The sooner the issue is caught and addressed, the faster your child can be on his or her way to a healthier life.

Until next time…

Blessings!

Traci
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There has been a great debate over the years as to whether or not a single parent environment negatively affects children or not. Now, we all know that each case has its own particulars and not all cases involving a single parent environment are the same. But there are studies that show some negative effects on some children raised in a single parent environment. Here are just some of the problems your child may (or may not) have when being raised in a single parent environment. Think of these as food for thought.

Let’s start with education. Studies have shown children that are raised in a single parent environment have lower grades than those who are raised in a home with both parents. This can be in a home where the child has always been raised by one parent or in homes where a divorce or separation has recently taken place. Studies also show children raised in a single parent environment are less likely to go to college or take steps to continue their education. There are also a higher percentage of drop outs that were raised in a single family home. While the data gathered in this study may be true in some cases, I have to be honest and politely add a rebuttal. I was raised by a single parent who was not formally education. But, because of her support, I excelled in school. I also have many friends and associations from single parent homes also did pretty darn good in school as well!  While I am not discrediting this study, I will say that a child’s performance in education should not be based on the number of parents in the home. Is it more challenging for single parents, well, of course it is. But should it be allowed to grow into a negative factor for kids and teens? Absolutely not!

We have also recently learned that there is a negative effect on children’s behavior particularly during the first year of a separation or divorce. This occurs for a number of reasons. The first reason is that the child is not receiving an equal amount of affection and attention from both parents. Studies show children act more calmly when both parents are in the home and are able to pay attention to their children. Another reason your child may act out, particularly during the first year is that the parent who has the custody or even both parents may act distant and not be able to pay as much attention to the child as they were able to before. Many parents find themselves distracted and allow their child more freedoms than they are used to and that they will not discipline like they would before the divorce or separation. I have talked to many folks who were the product of a divorced household when they were young. In almost all of the cases, there was indeed a rough “adjustment” period for the child. Because of this, it is so very important for those parents who are separating to do so as amicably as possible.

Lastly, there are studies that state children who are raised in a single parent environment may be more prone to depression. There are times where a single parent environment may be more stressful than a home with two active parents. This can cause a negative effect on their ability to concentrate and find enjoyment in things and activities they once liked. Unfortunately, this study does ring true in most cases. In a poll we conducted in 2008, most of those we talked to did recall a period of personal depression over not having their mom or dad at home. Some cited a brief depression period. Others succumbed to a depression that adversely affected their lives over a long period of time. Either way, the mental health of children in single parent homes should never be taken lightly. The effects can be far reaching.

Blessings!

Traci

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