A Healthy Resolution or Revolution in 2015

By Malkia “Kia” McLeod

As adults, we know that the start of the New Year is a perfect opportunity to make healthy lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, exercising more or eating healthier. But for most kids, resolving to make healthy lifestyle changes annually can be a difficult concept to grasp.

I was reminded of this while watching one of my guilty pleasures on television during the holidays. After the children overheard mommy and daddy discussing their New Year’s resolutions, they went off into their bedrooms to make their own. A few minutes later, they were marching through the living room with their drums and swords chatting, “We are ready for battle.”

“What are you doing?” mommy asked.

“We are making our New Year’s revolution,” the son replied.

While there’s no need to start a “revolution,” there is critical battle that we must resolve to fight this year. As parents, teachers, support professionals, and administrators, we know that:

•    Childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and tripled in adolescents over the past 30 years;
•    Today, more than 23.5 million children and teens in the United States are overweight or obese;
•    Children spend most of their time in schools;
•    The school environment is one of several settings that can influence children’s food choices and eating habits;
•    And healthier children learn better.

According to PBS Parents, a New Year’s resolution can teach kids about setting goals and self-discipline. So what type of goals should kids focus on setting that are critical to their growth and development? In his blog, “Schools Need to Prioritize Addressing Obesity in 2015,” one of New York’s superintendents of schools, Dr. Roberto Padilla recommends that we make a national resolution to address America’s childhood obesity problem.

“While educators cannot control what students do when they are home, they can still influence students’ lives in a positive way since outside of home life, children spend most of their time in schools,” Dr. Padilla wrote. “We believe schools can build that foundation through increased exercise and improved nutrition offerings.” 

As a community, let’s work together to ensure that we, especially our children, resolve to march into a healthier 2015!

To get started, check out the following resources:

•    Children and Parents Can Make Healthy New Year’s Resolutions
•    Keeping Kids Fit: Helping kids keep their New Year’s resolutions
•    Kids’ New Year’s resolutions? Don’t forget fun
•    10 New Year’s Tips to Help Your Kids Eat Healthier
•    Healthy New Year’s Resolutions For Kids