Motherhood can be tricky. On some days you want to be your child’s best friend and treat them to delectable food. On other days you feel guilty of letting them hog on junk so frequently.

Children, especially teenagers, function differently from us adults. Their ever-changing moods, frequent hormonal changes and the resulting food cravings can take an emotional toll on them. Which is why most teenagers resort to handy junk food like chips and biscuits or order in because it’s convenient. Like us adults, they do not have the patience to think twice if they could rather opt for something healthier.

Exactly why it is important we deal with them as friends and not preachers who are just keen on finding faults in their children. If you are dealing with teenagers with unhealthy food habits or children falling prey to obesity, the time to act on it is now.

There is no need to pry into their lives for that. The trick is to go about it as casually and subtly as possible. Don’t set unrealistic standards for them or compare them with their friends or relatives either. That never works, whatever may be the issue. To begin with, set a healthy example for them. Start following a healthy routine and diet yourself first. Again, starving is not the answer and will never be the solution. Start with incorporating salads in your diet. Cut down on unnecessary sugar and manage your sugar cravings. Kids tend to follow the footsteps of their parents consciously and otherwise. Other than that, follow the following steps to help your child lead a healthier life:

1. Make sure your children participate in some group sport/activity. If not, they perform some kind of physical activity for 60 mins daily.

2. Get them off the digital junk. It’s not conducive and will never be. Reduce their screen time to not more than 30-45 mins daily. Give them a book and discuss news with them. Go on long walks with them and get them interested in other things.

3. Unjunk your kitchen. Now!

4. Don’t treat or bribe them with food. That never helps.

5. Cut down on unnecessary sugar/ fat/processed and outside food as much as possible.

6. Let them learn the importance of independence in every way. Teach them how to plan their day and include physical activity in their routine.

7. Communicate with them and understand their needs for comfort food.

If you have any queries or doubts, mention them in the comments section below. We would be happy to solve them.