Vol. 17, No. 2 • May 2013
Teaching Healthy Behaviors to Children in Foster Care
Adapted from USDA, 2007Whether they show it or not, young people are always watching us and learning from what we do. Kids copy adults, so as parents and role models, it is vitally important that we eat healthy and be active every day!
Now being a role model doesn’t mean being perfect or never indulging your sweet tooth. Rather, it means balancing what you eat with what you do.
Make Balance a Habit!
- If you sit all day at work…Grab the kids and take a long walk; invite the neighbors. Put on some music and dance. Visit a park, museum, or zoo.
- If you are at a fast food restaurant…Try a grilled chicken sandwich with mustard. Add a side salad. Split an order of fries.
- If you find it hard to be active…Try walking up and down the stairs. Park farther away from stores. Walk your child to school or to the bus stop.
- If you’re going on a picnic…Bring foods like crunchy veggies with lowfat dip, whole-grain bread, baked or grilled meats, or fruits for dessert. Don’t forget to bring a ball or Frisbee to play with or music so everyone can dance. Get everyone moving after they eat.
Eat Healthy and Be Active Every Day!
- Set an example—Keep a variety of healthy foods on hand. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole-grain, fat-free or lowfat dairy products, lean meats, and dry beans. Limit the amount of foods you buy that are high in saturated fats, trans fats, and added sugar.
- Watch serving sizes—Remember, younger kids need less food than teenagers and adults. Start with small servings and give extra if they want more.
- Be active—You need at least 30 minutes of activity most days of the week. Your kids need at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day, or most every day. Add activities to your daily schedule, like walking, biking, working in the yard, or cleaning the house.
Making Smart Food Choices and Being Active Every Day
- Helps everyone keep mentally and physically fit.
- Helps to maintain a healthy weight.
- Helps reduce risks of serious diseases like heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.
- Helps kids to grow and develop and provides them with the energy they need to learn and play.
KidsHealth.org is another great website for learning how to take care of your body, eat healthy and stay fit – at any age! Site includes healthy recipes, including fruit kabobs, and incredible edible veggie bowls. http://www.kidshealth.org
To view references cited in this and other articles in this issue, click here.
~ Family and Children's Resource Program, UNC-CH School of Social Work~
