1. Provide three meals and two snacks at regular times.

• Dinner should be served at a reasonable time, ie 6:00PM.
• Avoid being overly restrictive on calories and fat.
• Avoid snacking two to three hours before bedtime.
• The average snack should not exceed 150 calories.

2. Avoid high calorie beverages at meals and snacks.

• Avoid regular sodas and fruit drinks.
• Limit visits to beverage establishments and choose the small size when you do.
• Drink water for thirst.
• Drink low fat or non fat dairy products.
• Limit fruit juice to 6 oz. per day or less.

3. Establish healthy eating habits as a family.

• Eat meals in an appropriate eating area.
• Avoid eating meals and snacks in front of the TV and computer.
• Don’t allow your child to eat in the bedroom.
• Plan ahead for healthy snacks at a set time each day.

4. Educate your child in a relaxed manner.

• Read food labels together.
• Teach appropriate serving size.
• Allow your child a voice in what he eats.
• Encourage your child to eat, but not overeat.

5. Become an active family.

• Allow the child to choose activities he likes to do.
• Do something active as a reward for good work.
• Encourage sports or a hobby like biking.

6. Be supportive.

• Never put down your child because of weight issues.
• Do not restrict foods, teach portion control.
• Encourage your child to eat until he is full and then stop.