10 Common Mistakes Parents Make

I’ve got quite a few pet-peeves related to some of the unhealthy habits parents have when it comes to their children’s diet and nutrition.  While at a birthday party yesterday, when the drink choices were Sprite, Coke, Dr. Pepper or water (what’s wrong with lemonade sweetened with good old-fashion sugar?), I decided that I was going to publicize my list of Fit & Inspired “don’t do’s” when it comes to kids.

1.  Donuts for breakfast (or any meal for that matter) – not a good idea

2.  Soda, especially those with caffeine – I personally think that this is one of the worst things to give a child because they are loaded with sugar (and not just plain sugar but high-fructose corn syrup which I liken to poison) and not one single nutrient.  I don’t consider diet soda any better, because they are loaded with chemicals (fake sugar).

3.  Fast food – My kids are big fans of McDonalds like any other child, but I try hard to limit fast food to no more than once per week and I try to encourage apple slices instead of fries (full disclosure:  I’m not always successful with this )

4.  Not enough water – kids need just about as much water as we adults do

5.  Fake juice – if it isn’t 100% fruit juice with no added sugar, I’d leave it on the shelf

6.  Not enough vegetables – children shouldn’t have the option of not eating their vegetables and if they learn to appreciate them as a child, they won’t forget it when they are grown-ups

7.  Not setting a good example – children learn a lot from us based on what they see us do; if they see their parents take their health and fitness seriously then they are more likely to do so when they are out on their own

8.  Using the phrase “on a diet”‘ – children shouldn’t have to get caught up in the adult fixation with fad dieting and the unhealthy singular goal of being thin (no matter the cost in terms of health)

9.  Candy – again, loaded with sugar and little to no nutrients…every so often is no big deal but every other day is definitely too much

10.  Video games – hours and hours of time spent sitting down versus outside running around

Avoid these common mistakes and your kids will thank you (when they are adults and able to appreciate it)!