Kids sometimes look as if they're glued to their cell phones. If they could only complete their homework as quickly as they can send text messages, they'd really be set. Even better: Maybe text messaging could also help them lose weight.

Researchers are actually questioning if text messaging could become a weight management tool. We already know that keeping a journal of weight loss or other health-related goals is a tried and true method. However, many people can't stick to journaling for the long-term because it can become tedious. A recent study followed three groups -- one that monitored health goals through text messaging, one that kept a paper journal, and one that didn't self-monitor progress at all. The study included children (ages 5-13) and their parents. The group reporting progress via text message had a lower attrition rate and had significantly greater adherence to self-monitoring.

I think keeping track of weight loss progress through text messaging is a great idea -- it's convenient and it could offer instant feedback. However, I question whether it's a good idea for children and teens. Weight loss is obviously the primary goal when a child or teen is obese, but another goal must be protecting/correcting the child's relationship with food and bolstering their self-esteem. Will reporting their progress through text messaging be motivating or demeaning? What do you think?

Source

Hooray! Fellow blogger,Jacki Donaldson just brought up a great subject. Using your phone to help you stay motivated works! I use text messages to harass my personal training clients, and I always receive feedback that they've inspired and kept the recipients in line when tempted to go to the dark (not-so-healthy) side.

Having said that, my brilliant colleague, Tracy Benham, is the mastermind behind TxtVox's Get Fit text messages. The girl is a sharp exercise physiologist and fitness trainer (we met getting our Master's Degrees in Exercise and Sports Sciences). Let her in your mind a couple of times a week ... and sooner rather than later ... your body will rockin'! The texts come twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays, and are really just there to motivate, educate, and harass you like a personal trainer would.

Go to TxtVox.com. Find the All About Me section, and then check off the box Get Fit! And did I mention that it's free? Oh yes! It is. If you're someone who could use a bit of consistent motivation from a REAL-DEAL professional ... TxtVox.com Get Fit messages are the way to go.

Bullying is not a new thing but there has been increased attention in the U.S. since the Columbine shootings and if ignored, it can be devastating. There are different kinds of bullying such as hitting and pushing which is physical bullying, name calling or teasing which is verbal bullying, social exclusions or intimidation which is emotional bullying, and phone or computer messages that are insulting or cyber bullying. Verbal bullying is the most common although boys are more likely to experience physical bullying and girls are more likely to experience social isolation.

Most bullying occurs where there is less adult supervision like school buses, cafeterias, hallways, bathrooms, locker rooms and playgrounds. Schools should have policies in place to deal with bullying and parents should listen closely to their children and report bullying. Some children however will not talk about it for fear of repercussions so some warning signs that parents should look for are unexplained cuts and bruising. Your child seems afraid to ride the bus and has lost interest in schoolwork or other activities at school. Your child may complain of headaches or stomach aches or other physical ailments and might have trouble sleeping or may experience bad dreams while sleeping. These signs are all worth exploring. Share your concerns with your child's teacher because they are the ones that can better observe how your child reacts with other children. If that conversation gets you no where, then make an appointment with the school principle or guidance counselor.

If your child is doing the bullying explain that bullying is a serious problem and that it will not be tolerated. Because bullying often stems from unhappiness or insecurity, try to find out if something is bothering your child. You may also have a greater impact if you express disappointment and not anger toward your child but be stern. Teach your child that they should respect all people no matter how different they are.

Source