(HealthDay News) -- Talking about weight with your child can be difficult, but it's important to foster a healthy attitude toward weight and eating.

The American Dietetic Association offers these suggestions for having this discussion:

• If your son or daughter is overweight, encourage the child to take action to lose weight. Take steps toward this end as a family, so your child doesn't feel isolated.
• Never bribe or punish your child to lose weight.
• Make sure both parents and other family members agree on how to best handle weight issues, so the message to the child is clear and consistent.
• Talk to your child's doctor about weight.
• Seek help from local programs or professionals who can help your child deal with weight issues.