Encourage Healthy Habits — A Mom's Advice
Setting the right example for your children is key, insists Cindy Stroh, yet "it's the hardest thing to do." Here's what she aimed for, she says, noting that, "at times, I was more successful than others."

Teach your children: Educate kids about food, and begin early, Cindy suggests. Explain which foods are good for them and why. "My grandson is 4 and already asks questions like, 'Is this protein?' 'Does this have caffeine in it?'?"

Snack well: Stock the kitchen with healthy snacks, as opposed to calorie-laden "treats." And cook often, so there's less chance you'll be tempted to run out for fast food.

Handle with care: When the subject of your children's weight comes up, discuss it compassionately, Cindy advises. "Never mention it in front of friends or other people."

Capture kids' Interest: Seek — until you find — an activity that interests them. If soccer doesn't work, try baseball or basketball. "This not only keeps kids active, busy and social, it provides an outlet for frustration," Cindy notes.

There are four things Cindy Stroh made sure her daughter understood completely:

Kindness Counts: "I stressed the importance of being kind, and let her know that making others look or feel 'less' was not the way to feel better about yourself. I made it clear that everyone had talents and attributes, but that they all had different ones."

You Are Loved!: "From a very early age, we told KayCee she was wonderful, important and loved. Kids need to have that attitude about themselves going into school, because everybody gets a taste of humble pie there."

'Nice' Has Its Limits: "KayCee was not that picked-on in school. Her weight was not an issue until her later years. However, I always taught her that if an issue did arise, to stand up for herself — that there is a difference between being nice and being a pushover."

You're Beautiful: "We tried to let KayCee know that she didn't have to be a size-2 Barbie to be beautiful, healthy, loving and a good person."