Should you tell your child it's fat!?

Well, this is always going to be a topic that will certainly split a crowd. But in this post i'm going to give you my opinion, agree or disagree, I'd love to hear yours. So feel free to send me a tweet or a message on Facebook .

The first thing we have to look at is the manner you approach the conversation. If your child asks for a chocolate in the supermarket, turning around and screaming at them saying "NO, YOU'RE FAT" is not going to have a positive impact on anyone. It's probably the worst way to approach the situation.

I personally believe you should sit the child down and encourage healthy eating. Educate them on the positives that come with living a healthy lifestyle and make them aware of the negatives that come with living a life filled with unhealthy habits. 

Give the child a healthy option and try to promote a healthy balanced lifestyle. Sure, it'll probably be tough, but I think if you start young enough as they grow it'll start becoming a habit... a good one. Simple things like suggesting a healthy substitute when they ask for sweets, chocolates, fizzy drinks or a big bag of crisps, rather than just saying no.

Healthy substitutes like babybel's, fruits, vegetables, yogurts (be mindful of added sugars). Things that you yourself would have as a snack. Remember if they are good enough for you, they'll certainly be good enough for your children. Make their snacks as exciting and colourful as can be - make them appealing.

Like I said, it's all about these healthy substitutes and getting the children involved in the kitchen. Give them confidence in the kitchen, allow them to make their own healthy foods; homemade healthy pizzas, fajita wraps, frittatas. They're quick, easy and taste great.

Another big thing I believe people should consider is to divert attention off of body image and focus it all on the child's health. Health should be the primary priority and we should make it clear that with a healthy you comes a happy you!

Not all children are built the same, like us, some are short and stumpy, some are tall and slim, some are petite and some are super tall and stocky, but they should be taught to embrace their look and to put HEALTH FIRST. 

This means that a child must know WHY its important for them to eat healthy most of the time and how its OK to have the odd treat here and there. Children are fantastic imitators and its vital you, as their role model, focus on living a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

So tell them they are fat, no, why, theres no need? Just teach them the ways of a balanced, healthier lifestyle and tell them why its important. If your child needs to lose weight, chances are once they start eating healthier, they will. You must be positive, proactive and always try to lead by example.

Agree, disagree, do let me know your thoughts.

Hadee