At Better Parenting University, we are often asked to review and/or participate in different family and parenting studies - looking at family relationships, behaviors and trends. One such study is the Child Well-Being Index. Produced by Duke University researchers, this study provides a research-based look at the quality of life or well-being of children in the United States.

One of the trends that was discovered in the most recent release of this study according to Dr. Kenneth Land, a Duke University sociologist involved in the study was that there has been an improvement in issues around child behavior and child safety. Parents also seem to be more protective than they have been in the past.

Upon reading this news, the team was ready to pack up the office and say our work is done! After all, these are some of the same parenting and family fundamentals that we teach parents here are BPU. It should be great news that:

• Children are behaving better
• Children are safer
• Parents are more involved and protective

So why I am still here writing this blog, instead of relaxing at the beach?

It seems that improvements in behavior and safety carry with it a cost: an increase in child obesity.

Some parents have become so protective of their children, they don’t want the kids to play outside, down the street, at the park, the mall or any other place kids used to play and socialize. Instead, more kids are staying inside, watching TV, playing video games and eating the favorite type of food that many kids like to eat: junk food.

There is no doubt, that the world is not as safe as it used to be. But it is possible to create a safe environment for your children to play outside, get involved in sports and social activities. Protecting your child by keeping them at home, is simply not a healthy solution.

If child obesity is an issue in your own home - we have the answers and support you need in our online parenting seminar - Childhood Obesity: Helping Your Family & Child Gain Control.