Pediatrician David Ludwig, author of "Ending the Food Fight" and director of the Optimal Weight for Life Program at Children's Hospital Boston describes two pillars of parenting that form the foundation of his obesity-prevention approach.
The first is protecting the family environment -- creating a home that makes it easy and convenient to make smart choices. That means stocking the fridge and pantry with the foods and beverages you want to encourage, such as low-fat milk, water and 100 percent juice instead of sugary sodas and fruit drinks.
The second is modeling. Rather than pressuring your kids to eat certain foods, your best bet is to eat those foods yourself. A parent's own behavior is one of the most powerful influences of all, Ludwig said. "If you do it, they'll learn to do it."
Click more information on experts warning parents on child obesity and Ludwig's information.