You know about the childhood obesity epidemic. You probably also know that parents' diet and exercise choices influence those of their children down the road.

Yet have you considered the impact on your child's health of a parental obsession such as counting calories or worrying out loud about your weight?

Our children mimic everything we do, from our manners to how (and how often) we step on the scale. Though most of this mimicry is a healthy and necessary way for young children to learn, we probably don't want an obsessive interest in food to be part of our children's legacy.

Studies have shown that when a parent (usually a mother) is obsessed with diet and weight control, the children are also more likely to be focused on the same issues.

You may be surprised to learn that some children as young as five may already have a distorted body image and a tendency to diet if they've watched parents or other influential figures emphasize the importance of thinness.

Here are some tips to help ensure your child won't inherit an unhealthy obsession with food and weight:

• Encourage a healthy lifestyle overall.
• Avoid fad diets. They promote unhealthy eating patterns and inappropriate nutrient intake for young children.
• Make exercise a part of fun family activities, not a chore.
• Don't make negative comments about other people's weight in front of a child.
• Promote a natural body image. Express comfort and pride in a figure that doesn't resemble a supermodel's.