(WLUK) — Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away, kicking off a season of feasts — and some parents worry they model bad health habits for their children over the holidays.

A new study from Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago reveals that 56% of parents worry about their child’s weight. More than a third of parents surveyed admit they set bad examples for their kids.

The holiday season is a special challenge, with 47% of parents saying their child’s diet becomes worse. The top factors include too many sweets (89% of respondents), frequent gatherings and eating outside the house (67%) and a general lack of emphasis on healthy eating (26%).

While parents are concerned about their kids’ physical health, they also report worries about their mental health. Nearly two in three report having talked with their kids about body image and self esteem, but 21% say it is difficult to approch these topics.

Dr. Caren Mangarelli, medical director of Lurie Children’s Wellness & Weight Management Program, has advice for discussing weight with children.

“We need to be mindful about what words we use when we are talking to children about weight,” Mangarelli said in a statement. “Often, the best choice may be to not discuss weight at all, but rather focus on healthy choices and behaviors and why they are important. Whether a behavior is healthy or not remains true regardless of the person’s weight. Avoid negative words like ‘fat’, ‘lazy’ and ‘diet’. Choose positive words like ‘healthy’, ‘strong’ and ‘nutritious’.”

The survey shows that more than three in five parents are taking steps to promote a healthy weight for their children. Eighty-two percent report doing this by making home-cooked meals, 76% by limiting sugary drinks and food, and 75% by establishing healthy eating habits.

The survey of 1,006 parents across the U.S. was conducted in September.