Tackling Childhood Obesity with These 5 Toys and Equipment

Childhood obesity is on the rise around the world. With the invention of the Internet and video games, more children are leading a sedentary life rather than going outside and being a kid like just 30 or 40 years ago.

Activity and healthy eating are at the centre of helping young people to lose weight and keep it off for the long haul. A backyard trampoline is just one of the ways children can get and stay active. See this list to help you pick the best trampoline for you and your family.

Ironically, there are several apps, as well as toys and equipment, that will help children with their weight loss goals.

Here are 5 toys and equipment that help to tackle childhood obesity head-on.

Wearables

One of the latest pieces of equipment for children is a wearable tracker. Similar to the adult fitness trackers, these are more interactive and fun for children ages 4 to 7.

There are a few brands available and each come loaded with various challenges and activities designed to encourage children to get up and move as a healthy alternative to sitting and playing video games.

Start a Garden

By allowing children to help with the growing of produce, they will have a better understanding of where food comes from.

Even if you have little room, all it takes is one or two pots that you and your child can grow healthy foods like carrots, onions, tomatoes, or green beans.

By growing food, your child will gain a better respect for what it takes to put food on the table and why waste is not an option.

Food Preparations

Having a child, even a very young kid, help with meal preparations, will instil in them a sense of ownership about food. They will be learning how to combine foods to create different flavours, saving them from getting bored with food, which often happens in adulthood.

Having help in the kitchen also shows them that one can eat healthier and with limits. Cooking and preparing foods shows kids that eating off a plate and on the table is better for them than grabbing a fast food meal or eating out of a bag of chips.

Bikes, Skateboards, and Scooters

When your child has a birthday, or for the holiday gift time, give them something that promotes movement. Bicycles, skateboards, scooters, roller skates, ice skates, pogo sticks and the like are all fun, activity promoting equipment.

Limit Screen Time

It’s okay to allow your child to use a computer or a handheld video game, however, don’t allow them to use them daily or as an alternative to activity.

There is a time and place for screen time and it should be limited to less than two hours a day.

It is up to you as a parent to help your child become and then remain healthy. What you teach them when they are young, helps them when they are adults.