Psychology...?

Question

How would you, as a parent, convince your offspring that instead of watching TV and playing video games, as are "all of their friends," they should be physically active? Likewise, how would you, as a parent, assure that your offspring makes wise nutritional choices?

Answer 1

Not a parent, doubt that I have the guts to be a parent. But I do have the mind of a 10 year old.

Each family's situation is different and one method works for some and not for others. You would have to experiment to find the method that works for you.

The main point I want to get across is that young children and teens have a tendency to be rebellious, going against anything you say. Unless they have had a particularly good upbring, in which case you would not be asking this question.

Let the kids know that it is ok for them to play their video games. It improves concentration, hand-eye coordination, reaction speed, and logical thinking.
There is, however, an addiction factor that needs to be dealt with. This would involve setting up a time schedule, giving them an allowance of time that they can play. Then adjust accordingly with their behavior pattern. Just telling them straight out that they cannot play will lead to resentment and they will find ways to circumvent your rules.

Young kids should not have any distractions in their rooms. Teenagers will have some items and it would not be easy to take away their 'toys.'

Set up a compromise, let them know that you have no problem with them playing games, provided that they make sure to get some exercise. Make one of the weekend days a no game day, use it instead for a family outing.

Nutrition would have to be tackled by the family as a whole. Don't preach about what is nutritious or what is not. They do not want to hear that and usually would do the opposite. Instead, don't give them too much of a choice. Don't stock junk food in the house, keep more fruits and vegetables around. Find ways to spruce them up vegetable so that they taste better.

Don't make weight a big issue as weight will fluctuate as kids grow. This will add stress to their already stressful lives. Stress can cause more ills in the body than bad nutrition and will offset any good you are trying to accomplish.
Instead teach them to be happy with their bodies.

Answer 2

Yes if carried out and thought out properly. Not all the time though it depends on how fixed the victim of the reverse psychology is on their decision

Answer 3

Is dependent on the context really. Which is better as a snack - fresh fruit personally. It's tastier and gives you that tad of sweetness. Which can be better as a snack if you are trying hard to lower back on sugar and lose weight vegetables

Answer 4

You might point out the bodies of people that are not physically active as opposed to the typical body of someone that plays video games all day; as well as the health problems that can come from inactivity. You don't see flabby out of shape people as attractive. Sounds superficial but it may get their attention. I'd find some examples even extreme ones of health problems of very young people that veg in front of computer games all day. There is nothing wrong with video games as long as you get physical exercises and keep them at a healthy level. And bottom line is, you're the parent. You make the rules. I'd say equal time of physical activity to video game play.

Answer 5

Firstly lead by example. It's important to be aware of how much of a strong influence you are to your children. Look for positive role models that you can tell your children about. Possibly point out to the children the positive outcome of this action and that they too can achieve the same result if they were to follow in these foot steps.

Answer 6

Depends on the age of the kids. First, take the TV and games out of their room, so they have to watch in the living room. Then, limit TV viewing until all their homework is done. Also, sign them up for some group events, or something to do that's fun and active: give them choice in what they do. For food, if it's not in the house, they can't eat it, so keep good foods around and not lousy ones. Also, pack their lunches, and let them help you prepare foods so they take an interest in it. In spring, plant a vegetable garden with their help: if they grow it, they'll eat it, and gardening's good exercise, too. Oh, and don't cave under that "all of my friends" argument. Instead, enlist the other parents to help: they've got the same problem too.

Answer 7

As a mother I know that is difficult as a parent to encourage a child to be physically active with all the technology. The best advice that I can give you is for you to participate with your kids in their physical activities. Go to a park, set like a special field day, go take a walk, participate directly with your kids actively. Us as their role models we need to show them the importance of being active and how helpful can be.

Answer 8

well, for starters, I don't think I would call them OFFSPRING

Kids are reflections of their parents. if parents are healthy, then that will spread to their children.

Answer 9

You have to lead by example. You can't tell them them eating a ho-ho is bad for them then turn around and do it yourself. you buy the food buy what you want them to eat. Make being active fun for them, you play outside with them ride bike with them that kind of stuff.

Answer 10

Put a very limited time, and amount of time, on games & tv. Be strict about it .. not to let them go over the time.

Shoosh them outside to play. Or .. attempt to do outdoor things with them ... or physical things with them.

When you have meals anywhere - talk about the nutrition involved in the food. You be aware and tell them of your knowledge of all foods. They will pick up on this nutrition when you are unaware. Just know nutrition .. and pass it on.