Use the information you've learned as a starting point, not an ending and keep it up so you grow up to be your very best, health self. Way to go!
Resources and Printables
Kids Staying Positive
We've encouraged you to get at least 60 minutes of exercise a day and to try to eat healthy when you can. If you keep it up, you have a greater chance of being healthy now and becoming a healthy adult.
We also explained that activity and the food you eat will make you feel look and feel better. But it should not impact the way you feel about yourself. Kids come in all shapes and sizes. It makes each of us one of a kind.
Don't focus just on your size and shape. That's not what this program is about. It's more about being the best YOU possible. It's about being a healthy kid, not a super skinny one.
So, be happy with who you are. We are just concerned with you being a healthy, happy kid. Here are some tips on reaching that goal:
- Don't pay attention or compare yourself to TV stars or athletes. Athletes took years to develop their bodies and it took a lot of energy and discipline. Most people don't look like the ones you see on TV. That's OK. And unfortunately, many of the stars on TV are actually too skinny and aren't good role models for you. Don't compare yourself to other kids either, especially older ones.
- Be patient. Your body is going to go through a lot of changes over the next few years. You may go through growth spurts, you may lose weight, you may gain weight. You never know. The best thing you can do for your body is to take good care of it by eating right and getting enough exercise.
- Be yourself and be happy. Easier said than done, right? But so much of being happy is up to you. Don't concentrate on bad things. Think of the things that make you happy. Focus on all the good things about you. If you can't think of something good, talk to your parents, a friend or your team leader.
- Ask for help. If you are depressed about your body and feel like you need help, make sure to talk to someone. Talk to a parent, a school counselor, a pastor or ask your team leader for advice. Be sure to get help because you are worth it.
Good job on completing Checkup Challenge. Use the information you've learned as a starting point, not an ending and keep it up so you grow up to be your very best, health self. Way to go!
Life can be challenging, but here are a few tips to help you keep a positive attitude and outlook.
- Get out and exercise. Just being outside on a nice day can lift your spirits.
- Get enough sleep. Staying up too late makes it hard to concentrate and remember things.
- Close your eyes and take some deep breathes. This simple action can help calm you down.
- Make a to-do list and stay organized. A clean room will make it easier to find things when you need them.
- Smile. The simple act of smiling will often make you feel happier.
- Enjoy the little things. A good meal, your pet, a good book. Take time to appreciate the things that make you happiest.
- Learn a new activity. It challenges the mind and gives you something new to focus on.
- Set goals. Decide on things you want to achieve and make a plan to get there. Ask your parents for help if you need it.
- Don't wait until the last minute to do your homework or chores. Rushing around can lead to stress.
- Don't complain or worry too much. Instead, look for ways to solve your problems. Ask for help when you need it.
Parents Staying Positive
Welcome to week six of Checkup Challenge. This week, let's focus on your child's self-esteem. Children are sent many mixed messages about body image, including what they see on TV and even from the older kids at school.
Make sure as you focus on your child getting healthier that you do not place the emphasis on weight or looks, but rather on feeling good. Talk to your child about body image. It's very important to make sure children know it is OK to discuss how they are feeling.
Let your child know if she or he feels bad about their body, or any other matter, you are there to talk.
Sometimes a child may not feel comfortable discussing such personal issues with mom or dad. If that's the case, open the door for a family therapist, a school or church counselor or maybe an older sibling. The important thing is to get your child talking.
Lisa Elliott, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist at Cook Children's, offers these tips for parents, regarding self-esteem:
- Be aware of the statements you make about your child's weight. Avoid negative comments about food, body sizes and exercise. Instead, focus on the positive aspects of how activity and proper eating will help your child be healthy.
- Restrict electronics time, including TV, computer and video games. Encourage family activities that include things like hiking, water activities and biking.
- Teach and model healthy eating habits and encourage your child to participate in this process.
- Have family meals together as much as possible.
- Communicate normal growth development which can include weight gain, especially during puberty.
- Compliment your child's strengths, which include talents, achievements, character and efforts.
- Encourage and engage your child in activities such as karate, soccer, basketball, art classes and musical training to help build their self-confidence.
- Monitor media exposure to make sure your child is not overly exposed to unhealthy views of body size/image.
- Keep dialogue open about healthy body images and eating habits.
- Watch for warning signs of an eating disorder and address promptly.
Thank you for participating in Checkup Challenge. Don't think of the conclusion of the six weeks as an end, but rather the beginning of a lifestyle change. We hope this is just the start of many healthy years for your child and your entire family.
Leaders Staying Positive
Congratulate all your kids. This is week six of Checkup Challenge. And while this is the week that a winner will be named among the teams participating in the program, make sure they know this does not mean they are finished.
Checkup Challenge should be the start of something, not an ending. Talk to your kids about taking what they've learned over the six weeks and applying it to their lives.
They should continue to be active and eat well. It will allow them to do all the things they want to do, like play team sports, play outside or simply feel better. It even gives more oxygen to the brain to help them learn.
This week, let's focus on self-esteem. Children are sent many mixed messages about body image, including what they see on TV and even from some of the older kids at school.
They watch athletes and movie stars and may think they need to look like the people they see on the screen. But the truth is they just need to be themselves, with a focus on being active and eating right.
Let the kids know that no one is perfect. Everyone has flaws. Even the people we see on TV. Ask them what they like about themselves. Have the kids make a list of what makes them happy or what they like about themselves. Tell the children to use this every day to remind themselves that they are special.
Let your kids know they should focus on the good things. They shouldn't focus on things they can't change like their height or skin color, and they shouldn't want that to change. That's who they are. That's what makes them special and unique. They can work on being healthier, but it shouldn't be too much. They should try to follow what they've learned in Checkup Challenge about eating healthier and being active.
Talk to your kids about their own body image, and how they should be OK being the people they are. Let them know if they feel hopeless or desperate about their body, they can talk to someone whether it be a parent, a counselor at school or church or you.
Let them know you like who they are and how proud you are of them for completing Checkup Challenge and beginning a healthy lifestyle that they continue until they are grownups.
Thank you for all you've done these past six weeks. We look forward to hearing your comments on Checkup Challenge.
Checkup Challenge checklist
Day 1
- Congratulate everyone on all they've done the past six weeks.
- Talk to the kids about how proud they should be of all their accomplishments.
- Stress that this is just the beginning and to continue to apply all that they've learned over the past six weeks.
- Talk to the kids about self esteem and what they think is special about the other person. Maybe have the kids pair up with a teammate to let each other know what's special about them.
Day 2
- Talk to your class about self-esteem. Let them know there are outlets if they aren't feeling good about themselves and suggest people they can talk to if they feel like they need to reach out to someone.
- Ask your kids to encourage one another. Remind them about how they were a team over the past six weeks and that they should continue to be there for one another.
Day 3
- Teach your class about the many different types of body images, shapes and sizes in the world. Explain to them that they do not have to live up to the images they see on TV.
- Discuss with the kids why they should be proud of themselves for working hard over the past six weeks.
- Tell the kids that if they didn't work as hard as they could have, that it's not too late. This should be something they can continue to do throughout their lives.
Day 4
- Have a discussion day about Checkup Challenge. Ask the kids what they liked about the program and what they didn't like. Ask them what could be done differently.
- Find out what their favorite part was from the past six weeks.
- Ask if they felt like working as teams helped them.
- Tell the kids you are proud of all their hard work.
Day 5
- Congratulate the kids for completing the six weeks. Remind them it's not over. It's just the beginning of their healthy journey.
- Tell the kids they did great and they should all be proud of themselves.
- If you have not tallied up the points, name the winners on Monday and pass out completion certificates. If possible, do it at an assembly or in a public setting. Invite the parents.
