I think it also is important to tell parents that no one is perfect all the time. They should do their best to implement and model healthy habits, but should not beat themselves up if they find they are not where they want to be. They should just regroup, make a few changes, and keep moving forward. Then, not only will they model healthy habits for their kids, but they will model for them how to manage the expected ups and downs of life, another important lifelong lesson!
Dr. Beers is assistant professor of pediatrics at Children’s National Medical Center and the George Washington University Medical Center, Washington. She is chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Residency Scholarships and immediate past president of the District of Columbia chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. E-mail Dr. Beers at pdnews@frontlinemedcom.com.