The NHS educates parents on taking better control over children's eating habits

The sessions are being held at children's centres around the area to offer practical help to parents. The sessions will give advice on portion size and how to manage snacking, as well as tips on how to make changes at home and encouraging the family to do more exercise. Mums and dads coming along to the groups will be given free plates and bowls for their kids, which show the best portion sizes to use at home, as well as leaflets with information to share with family and friends. While their parents take part in the group, the children will be read a short story, called "I've Had Enough", teaching them about eating the right amount of food for their size. Those coming along to the sessions will be given a copy of this book for free. People who take part will also be invited to a follow-up session a couple of weeks later, to talk about how they are getting on and to ask questions about any problems or challenges they are facing. The parents will also be supported by a new website, www.kidsontrack.co.uk. Nicola Benge, director of Health Improvement at NHS Birmingham East and North, said: "Recent research shows that one in 10 children in the Birmingham East and North area are obese by the time they start school, and by year six, that figure doubles to one in four in some areas. In today's society, with easy access to fast food and less opportunity for activity, it is becoming harder to help children to follow a healthy lifestyle. "Parents have told us that they want to do the best for their child and would like the tools to help them achieve the right balance, so these sessions and website offer practical tips for parents on how to make healthy eating and sensible portion sizes a part of everyday family life."