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Slide 1: ==== ==== Become a Certified Self-Esteem Coach for Children and Learn the Life-Impacting Secrets to Champion Kids to Elevate their Self-Esteem & Live their Best Lives… http://tinyurl.com/ourchilds-self-esteem ==== ==== Self esteem has a huge impact on our quality of life. Our body image, and how well it matches what others consider the norm, is a huge indicator of how we might handle those issues later in life, and the outcome. Several studies have been conducted that discuss the pitfalls of low self esteem due to obesity, and give some positive ideas on how to combat or avoid them. A study at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey determined that obese girls ages 13 to 14 are far more likely to experience low self-esteem than non-obese girls. This study also reported that obese boys and girls with low self-esteem had higher rates of loneliness, sadness and nervousness. These children were also more likely to smoke and drink alcohol compared with obese children with normal self-esteem. Another study conducted at the University of Minnesota reveals that children who were teased about being overweight were more likely to have poor body image, low self-esteem, and symptoms of depression. As many as 26 percent of teens who were teased reported they had considered suicide, and 9 percent had made attempts to end their life. Obese children between the ages of 10 and 13 have an 80 percent chance of being obese adults. Children are considered obese when their weight is at least 10 percent higher than recommended for their age and height. Parents should be alert to signs that their overweight child is experiencing emotional distress. Some of those signs might include your child seeming to have reduced energy or interests and or seems reluctant to enter into social relationships or other activities. Another sign of distress in your child can be determined if they seem increasingly sad, lonely, angry or withdrawn. Your child may withdraw from friendships and have only a few friends. And they may entertain thoughts of hurting him/herself or others. Changes in eating habits, sleep patterns, and a reluctance to go to school can also indicate a potential problem. Keeping the lines of communication open can help combat these emotional issues. Talk to children about why they overeat and how they feel about themselves. Identify those feelings and situations that cause them to overeat, and discuss coping strategies. Try not to be negative. Criticizing an obese child or trying to humiliate them into losing weight will increase the child's emotional difficulties. The child may become lonelier, more depressed, and less likely to make changes that might help. Instead, accentuate the positive and praise your child's strengths and accomplishments. Help children gain control over their weight by discussing and encouraging healthy food choices and exercising regularly with them. Individualize food and exercise plans according to the child's interests and their commitment level. Lead by example - make healthy eating and exercise a
Slide 2: family affair. Encourage children to make smart choices and understand the benefits of feeling better and being healthier. Don't forget to celebrate your child's efforts, and to reinforce and support their goals. For more details check out the sources. Overweight Children great parenting tips resources for you Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wayne_Coleman ==== ==== Become a Certified Self-Esteem Coach for Children and Learn the Life-Impacting Secrets to Champion Kids to Elevate their Self-Esteem & Live their Best Lives… http://tinyurl.com/ourchilds-self-esteem ==== ====