The combination of poor eating habits, lack of exercise, and too much television and video games is linked to a continuing and frightening rise in childhood obesity. As parents, we must face this issue by becoming active participants in our children's lifestyle habits.

The prospects for an overweight child can be grim. Overweight children are significantly more inclined to become overweight adults. Unfortunately, not only will they bring their excess weight into adulthood, they will also bear the extra risk factors for weight-related health issues such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.

What can we do to help our children become physically and emotionally healthy adults? As parents, we must spend quality time with our children, time that is not rushed, impatient or unkind. We must be good role models, nurture them, promote their self-esteem, and help them develop positive character traits that will sustain them into and through adulthood.

Because children look to their parents for love, guidance, and role modeling, it is the responsibility of parents to instill healthy eating and lifestyle habits in their children by following those healthy habits themselves. Use the guidelines listed below to help you and your children live a healthier life.

*SET THE STANDARDS. Parents need to know the facts about healthy eating habits in order to teach their children. Promoting healthy eating habits promotes a healthy body image for your children. Parents who follow healthy eating habits themselves can help protect their children against the possibility of eating disorders.

*EAT TOGETHER AS A FAMILY. Expect everyone to sit down together at the table. This can be a huge challenge but it is a great way to observe your children's eating habits and spend some quality time together. Since this is probably the only time during the day when everyone is together, use this time to connect with your children.

*EAT HEALTHY MEALS. You and your children should eat three well-balanced meals of average size each day. (Make sure everyone eats something for breakfast.) Serve fewer fatty foods. Prepare foods that are baked, broiled or steamed, rather than fried. In addition to a small serving of lean protein, provide large servings of vegetables and/or salads.

*PROVIDE HEALTHY SNACK CHOICES. Get rid of all the junk food in your cupboards and fill them with healthier choices. Always have plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain cereals available for snacks. Kids will eat what is available to them, not necessarily what is good for them.

*DRINK LOTS OF WATER. You should encourage your child to drink four to six glasses of water each day, especially before meals. Water has no calories and it helps you feel full. Other drinks can include diet sodas and low-fat milk. Avoid letting your children drink regular soft drinks or bottled fruit juices, as they are high in calories.

*ENFORCE LIMITATIONS ON SEDENTARY HABITS. Place time limits on television, video games, and computer time. Set aside a certain amount of time that can be devoted to those pursuits. Be consistent in your expectations and rules.

*NEVER EAT WHILE WATCHING TELEVISION. This sets an unhealthy precedent that turns food into a mindless pastime instead of an important part of your time together as a family.

*FIND PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO TOGETHER. Introduce your children to the joys of physical activities. Play outdoors sports and/or games. Go on daily walks, go bicycling or skating together as a family. If it is something that everyone enjoys, children are more likely to want to do it instead of feeling obligated.

If you are concerned that your child is overweight, following the guidelines listed above can help your child become a healthier weight. Changing unhealthy behaviors is the first and best step to becoming healthier.

In summary, to raise healthy children, the primary role of parents is to be a good role model. Nurture your children by spending quality time with them and letting them know how much you love and support them. Eat healthy foods together and participate in regular physical activities as a family. The result will be physically and emotionally healthy children.