Prioritize empathy and understanding before dispensing advice or education, as it builds trust and engagement, especially in sensitive areas like parenting and lifestyle.
Start by building strong, trusting relationships with individuals, actively listening to understand their reality, as this is the prerequisite for effective help and support.
Foster confidence by adopting a strengths-based approach, starting conversations by identifying and acknowledging what individuals are already doing well.
As a helper, actively work to build readiness for change in individuals, rather than passively waiting for them to become ready.
Understand that children are more influenced by your actions than your words; therefore, model the healthy behaviors you wish for them to adopt. Avoid hypocrisy in your own habits.
Strive to balance warm, responsive, and loving parent-child relationships with the ability to stay appropriately in charge as an adult, as this balance helps children flourish.
Focus on creating overall healthy family environments, recognizing that the problem extends beyond just what children eat, which naturally leads to better health outcomes.
Encourage parents to identify and make time for activities they enjoy to reduce stress and recharge, recognizing that parental well-being is foundational for initiating family-wide changes.
Integrate the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’ (connect, be active, pay attention, give, learn) into daily life to enhance personal and family happiness and well-being.
Implement cooperative ‘family reward’ systems where the whole family participates in building a shared reward (e.g., a tower of blocks) to foster appreciation, cooperation, and a positive atmosphere. When praising, be descriptive so the child knows exactly what helpful action is being acknowledged.
Offer children ‘guided choices’ by presenting them with two healthy options (e.g., ‘Do you want carrots or broccoli?’) to empower them while ensuring healthy decisions.
Consciously work to break emotional associations between food and well-being, such as using high-fat, high-sugar foods as rewards or comfort, to foster healthier relationships with eating.
Practice moderation regarding treats like chocolate and cake, allowing them sometimes without giving them an emotional association of ‘special pleasure’ or ‘reward.’
Start with a favorite family meal, assess its current healthiness, and then identify small, enjoyable tweaks (e.g., adding more vegetables) to make it healthier. Tailor changes to what your family genuinely enjoys.
Help children develop healthy food preferences by exposing them to a wide range of savory tastes, as tastes evolve based on familiarity, and reduce reliance on overly sweet processed foods.
For expectant parents, proactively consider and plan the desired home environment and family lifestyle for your baby, engaging in ’nest building’ on a lifestyle level during pregnancy.
Seek out or create opportunities for parents of young children to connect with each other, share experiences, and realize they are not alone in their challenges, combating isolation.
If you are a healthcare professional, actively work on making positive changes in your own health, as this personal journey serves as a powerful and confidence-inspiring role model for those you help.
Healthcare professionals or organizations seeking support for childhood obesity or family health initiatives should contact Henry (info@henry.org.uk) to explore partnership opportunities.
Support and advocate for clearer food labeling, an end to junk food marketing to children, and food reformulation to reduce hidden sugars, to create a healthier environment.
Consider wearing minimalist shoes like Vivo Barefoot for foot and musculoskeletal health, taking advantage of their 100-day free trial if you are a new customer.
Support the podcast by leaving a review, sharing on social media, or recommending it to friends and family to help spread awareness of valuable health insights.
Share this specific podcast episode with teachers or families who may be struggling with childhood obesity, as Henry’s insights could be particularly beneficial.