Anyone else have kids with weight problems, or starting to?

MinnieInMaine

I have two thoughts about this... I was a former chubby kid who had a bit of pressure put on her to eat better and all that taught me was how to sneak food. Also, I don't think kids should be worrying bout their weight as they do fluctuate as they grow.

Make the focus on healthy eating and activity and NOT about how much everyone weighs. You and hubby can keep track of that yourselves but I wouldn't talk about it with the kids.
Go for walks, hikes, bike rides, etc together - especially this time of year when it's getting to be warmer out. And for rainy days, have a list of active indoor games handy (google "indoor active games for kids" and you'll see several great ideas)

I love the idea of getting rid of the junk but maybe leave one thing they really like that's not too unhealthy just so they don't feel like they're being deprived or punished. Teaching them moderation is just as important as the rest of it!!

brneydgrlie

Thank you guys sooo much for all the kind words and encouragment, and the stories of your own struggles with your children (and AS children your own selves!!)

I am definitely going to clean out this house of all the crap and start having a "eat with the family or don't eat at all" policy at dinnertime.

Any advice on what I should do with these 3 giant Easter bunnies that need to go??? (My in laws think its cute to buy the BIGGEST chocolate bunnies possible - 3500 calories a piece, probably.)

And thats not all - there is still small candy left in their baskets. I swear I've watched my daughter grow two pants sizes since Easter morning.

it's just my opinion but you may want to let your children enjoy their Easter candy. It just seems cruel to me to take away a chocolate bunny!

I hear ya - it does seem mean, BUT, I also can't stand the thoughts of her consuming that many calories and sugar in one sitting while she's dealing with a weight problem right now. Isn't standing by and letting that go on neglectful in a way? Plus, she has enjoyed PLENTY of Easter candy - its just these GIGANTIC chocolate bunnies that I DID NOT buy that are bothering me....

Why don't you see if your daughter is willing to break it in chunks and save it in the freezer? That way, her treat will last longer. ;-)

SolidGoaled

I think I have the kids talked into letting the Giant Chocolate Bunnies be given out by us as "dessert" only, after dinner. At the table, in a mindful way instead of letting them veg in front of the TV with them.

The rest of the candy in their baskets I am just letting them have at it until its gone - its hard for me to do, but I am trying to just keep my mouth shut. Next year, I am definitely not giving them as much - evidently I don't have to with the grandparents around.

littlemili

I am not a parent but as a kid I was fat, the got anorexic, then fat again. I would like to offer my opinion...

Parents should lay down the law in the kitchen. Although exercise is really important, I was a very active kid playing for all the sport teams and walking to and from school daily. We had homemade food every day and at school I ate the hot dinners provided (also healthy food). But at no point did I get any concept of portion control. Parents, please, don't let your kids eat adult portions except of vegetables and salad. No kid likes being overweight but rarely are they in the position to do anything about it because they don't do the groceries, or the cooking, or serve the food up, and they don't have the knowledge adults do about food. A kid's health going into adulthood is probably the best thing a parent can give them or destroy for them and if it means being a b**** I really think parents should do that in order to keep their kids healthy. Eating healthy and less is not a big deal really, and if it is implemented early on the kid will probably not even know the difference.

I know my ED (anorexia) was a direct result of being overweight as a kid and that could have been controlled. I would never wish that on anyone else and I'm sure every parent can imagine how awful it would feel to see their kid suffer that as a result of not laying down the law on food.