Helping a child maintain a healthy weight is about steady family habits, not dieting. Children are still growing, so the focus is on healthy choices that support growth and wellbeing.

Habits that help:

• Build meals around vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and lean protein.
• Make water and milk the everyday drinks; limit juice and sugary drinks.
• Keep ultra-processed snacks occasional, not daily.
• Encourage at least an hour of active play a day; limit screen time.
• Protect sleep, and keep mealtimes positive and pressure-free.
• Lead by example — children copy what the family does.

If you’d like support, a pediatric consultation can assess your child’s growth and help you build a healthy, realistic plan.