Calling all moms...

aghack

I need some support!

My 9 year old daughter had her annual physical yesterday, and she is overweight. This is the first time that she has landed in that category. Up until now, I have felt I was the only one overweight in my house- my husband and son are both distance runners. I have so much trouble knowing how to balance things between all of us! My husband and son need 5000-6000 calories to support long distance running and cycling, I need to lose weight, and now, my daughter does, too. When we all eat, she eats so much LESS than everyone else, that I guess we've gotten used to it, but it's still too much.

Has anyone else had to deal with weight loss for themselves and their kids? How did you handle it?

ejmcam

What kind of foods are you feeding her? Maybe she is eating less, but is it food that is natural and the body easily processes?

ajbeans

I would try to focus on serving healthier food (if you're not already), limiting snacky stuff in the house (and try to keep the snacks healthy, like fruit and veggies with no dip), and see if you can find something active for all of you to do as a family. Your husband and son have the distance running thing, and I assume they do that together, right? So maybe find something for you and your daughter to do together to get active. Maybe take a hula hooping or Zumba class, or take up swimming. Something fun that you can enjoy together.

But don't talk to her about how she needs to lose weight. Don't focus too much on that aspect of it. Just get active, and encourage healthy eating habits. Tell her that healthy foods are what will help keep her strong and healthy as she continues to grow. Don't completely ban junky foods -- if she likes ice cream, let her have it sometimes, in moderation. Everything in moderation. She doesn't need to develop food issues at this age.

And keep in mind that at her age, a lot of kids plump up before growing taller. So she's not in a hurry to LOSE weight, because she'll eventually grow. She just needs to learn healthier habits so she will get healthier as she grows.

Good luck!

bmmadden

My son is overweight as well, his doctor doesnt necessarily want him to lose just stay active and eat healthy because they still have to grow, so they just want him to maintain I guess until he hits a growth spurt and grows into his weight, he is 13 and at 165 and about 5'1 hope this helps

sophjakesmom

I was an overweight kid (not alot, but bigger than my tiny sister.) I can tell you what NOT to do. Do not obsess about the weight with her. If everyone else is active in the family, encourage her to come out and get active with you, to help you get healthy. At 9, she is still in that stage of growth where playing out side is fun. Encourage her to try different sports, even for fun. Moving more will have a huge impact on her.

As for food, have good healthy options in the house for her. if your husband and son are distance runner and cyclers, they need that good healthy stuff too, just more of it. Steer clear of being hyper critical if she has a not so healthy snack, but set boundries with her and let her know that those are occasional treats, not all the time or every day. If you do criticize, she will start to sneak food and that is a really hard habit to break. Remember that 9-11 is a real growth period for girls, so moving and eating well now, can really help her slim up before it becomes a social issue.

Above all, remind her all the time of how beautiful she is. Good luck mom!!

Triquetra

I have the opposite problem. I am trying to lose, my 8yr old daughter is average and a big eater but a competitive dancer so burns it off, and my 12 year old is clinically underweight....meals in my place are hell! My only advise is don't push it too much as that will set her up for lifetime issues, try to change things gradually and slowly for her.

amfaery

I would just keep has diet healthy and try to find an activity she likes, karate, swimming, gymnastics, dance, soccer anything to keep her moving an dmotivated. Would your husband bring her ona bike ride? It could be a good Dad and daughter activity

tam120

I would try to focus on serving healthier food (if you're not already), limiting snacky stuff in the house (and try to keep the snacks healthy, like fruit and veggies with no dip), and see if you can find something active for all of you to do as a family. Your husband and son have the distance running thing, and I assume they do that together, right? So maybe find something for you and your daughter to do together to get active. Maybe take a hula hooping or Zumba class, or take up swimming. Something fun that you can enjoy together.

But don't talk to her about how she needs to lose weight. Don't focus too much on that aspect of it. Just get active, and encourage healthy eating habits. Tell her that healthy foods are what will help keep her strong and healthy as she continues to grow. Don't completely ban junky foods -- if she likes ice cream, let her have it sometimes, in moderation. Everything in moderation. She doesn't need to develop food issues at this age.

And keep in mind that at her age, a lot of kids plump up before growing taller. So she's not in a hurry to LOSE weight, because she'll eventually grow. She just needs to learn healthier habits so she will get healthier as she grows.

Good luck!

ageed... she doesn't need to hear from her family that she needs to lose weight, she needs to understand healthy options and exercise for fun.

habhad

Find out how many calories that she is supposed to have in a day and then help her stay around the suggested amount. Be a good role model for her and she will want to follow you. If she sees you, the husband, and son eating healthy, she will naturally want to follow. Pick up walking/running and plan a goal to complete a 5K together as a family.

I agree, don't bring up the word "diet" as there are too many issues regarding weight/food in todays society.

HappyathomeMN

Instead of just modifying her eating, try some fun activites for you to do together, especially while the guys are out running or cycling. Ideas: silly but fun- let her pick the music and dance around the house together, learning - nature hikes or walks with a guide book to learn, swimming- either lakes, oceans, or pools (whichever you have access to), rollerskating or blading. Read a book about something in your area - then go explore it together.

My children think it's the most fun and crazy thing when I turn up the music and dance around the house with them. My oldest makes sure the shades are shut first though (teenagers, ugh!). We all end up with quite the workout both from laughing and dancing.