Engineering Management

A child’s health and wellbeing starts at the family level. When we see children who don’t take healthy eating and physical activity seriously, it’s the first place we turn for fostering a behavior change. There is no one-size-fits-all intervention, but below are four things that can help.

1. Social support: Having someone to lean on within the family structure is crucial, whether it’s providing transportation to practice or simply sharing the activity. Kids who know physical activity is meaningful and that they can rely on someone for encouragement are always more motivated to stay active. This also reaches beyond the family structure. Some parents use social media for support with behavioral change. They need that daily interaction and can find it with people online. It’s all about finding the right support system.

2. Role models: It’s amazing how kids are so easily influenced, even when parents and family members don’t realize it. For example, children should not only share in physical activity with their parents, but they should observe them participating in their own exercise routine like running or yoga. This helps the importance of physical activity sink in. It’s also great when parents practice what they preach by eating healthy foods and providing opportunities for their children to get involved like shopping at a local farmer’s market or trying new activities together.

3. Holistic wellness: My research has always focused on physical wellness. But as I think more about overall health, and as I work with disadvantaged populations, I’m moving more toward a holistic approach to wellbeing. How can someone be physically well if they are not well emotionally or financially? All of these areas work together, so when people are faced with more pressing issues, physical activity and healthy eating often fall to the backburner. Setting and achieving goals in other areas of health and wellness can help families get to a place where healthy eating and...