Tips for Parents: Staying Healthy Throughout the Holidays

Tuesday - November 15, 2011

Ready or not, feasting season is here -- that seemingly endless time of temptation that starts with Halloween candy and continues with Thanksgiving stuffing and pies, to eggnog and merry-making treats for Christmas.  Below are some ways to help your children stay healthy, while enjoying their holidays.

Thanksgiving:

• Focus on friends and family instead of food. Remember, the holidays are a time to slow down and catch up with your loved ones. Encourage your children to play games, volunteer, or spend time outdoors enjoying the winter weather together.
• Bring what you like. Don't spend time worrying about what will be served. Offer to bring your child’s favorite diabetes-friendly dish. It could be a low-sugar or low-fat version of recipe. If you count carbs, check your recipe’s nutrition facts so you know how big a serving is and how many carbs it has.

Christmas:

• Diabetes in children should not affect what they receive for Christmas from Santa Claus. Fill your children’s stockings with some of their other favorite items that do not include food.
• Diabetes is hard for anyone who is diagnosed with it. However, diabetes in children is even worse, especially during the holidays. They have a more difficult time dealing with the issues and restrictions than adults do. So, it is a wise decision to make sure they have a life that is as normal as possible during the festive season.

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