The One Step Ahead Program at Children's Hospital Boston has created the TLC (Targeting Lifestyle Change) Program to support children and parents as they make healthy lifestyle changes.
TLC, launched in Spring 2007 by psychologist Laura Edwards-Leeper, PhD, is an eight-week-long, after school program where we work on helping children feel good about themselves and their bodies, assist the entire family in making healthy lifestyle goals and long-term changes, and provide support and guidance for parents.
Children and parents can be referred to TLC through OSA or directly from their Children's Hospital Primary Care Center (CHPCC) provider.
For children
During the sessions, children work on making positive, health-related goals, building self-esteem and learning how to cope with issues like teasing.
Our sessions include:
- self-esteem
- body image/size acceptance
- teasing
- culture and food
- emotional eating
- media exposure
- challenges in making lifestyle changes
The children also participate in different physical activities such as karate, Hip-hop dance and yoga. The goal of the physical activity is to introduce them to physical activity options they may not know about and get them up and moving.
For parents
TLC is also for parents of children in the program. We provide parents with general parenting guidance, educate them on how to help their children cope with weight issues, such as teasing, and teach them about nutrition.
The parent group is designed to encourage parents to support each other by sharing challenges and successes as they work toward making healthy lifestyle changes in their families. We encourage parents to play an active role in helping their children, and entire family, meet healthy lifestyle goals.
More information
For more information, please contact:
1. Laura Edwards-Leeper, TLC Program Developer, at 617-355-0580
2. Alison Cella-Mowatt, OSA Program Assistant and Activities Coordinator, at 617-355-0992
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