My 12 yr old daughter wants to be on MFP

SunLove8

I'm a bit concerned with my kiddo. She asked me last night out of nowhere if she can join and start counting calories so she doesn't over eat (I don't think she overeats but just sometimes she's more hungry than usual probley because of growing and hormones). She is not overweight according to her Doctor but she is in the higher percentile (always has been since a baby). I told her that I would not give in to pop tarts and junk food (my bad at times!) if she was wanting to get healthy, but I didn't think that counting calories is something she needs to worry about. I'm worried that she has a low self image although she says she doesn't and that perhaps her seeing me lose weight and being on here makes her want to follow my steps. What are your thoughts?

JennaM222

Does she play sports? If not, tell her to join so she doesnt need to worry about calories. If she is not over weight - at that age there shouldnt be any need what so ever to count calories. But, I know with the world today who knows.

When I was that age I played competitive basketball and soccer year around so I was eating like a maniac

khk2010

Tough one. There is so much pressure on kids. I'd encourage her to get into a sport or something that focuses on fitness and athletics over weight and calories.

Maria_Goose

Personally I'd say pounce on this opportunity to teach your daughter about eating healthy! I know I would have appreciated it if my parents had taught me better as they raised me (I still love them so!). Just set it to make sure she doesn't lose weight. I'd supervise it.

kennie2

why dont you do it for her?

MinnesotaManimal

With the level of imaturity that tends to show up on this site, I think I would hesitate to allow my own child to come on here. BUT that being said, it probably is nothing worse than they would hear in school.

Learning a healthy lifestyle would be one of the better traits that a child could immitate from their elders. Just moniter her and make sure she does not go over board!

iFeelBrandNew

i say let her go for it. i find that if you shelter children and tell them no about things, it makes them want to do it even more. let her try it out. start out at .5 pound a week, or even maintenance. she will probably get sick of it, and get over the phase. plus, this site isnt only about weight loss, its about being healthy! and id rather my kids join myfitnesspal than facebook or myspace at this point! lol

Contrarian

The site is for people over 18.

I would encourage her to be more active instead and focus on the fitness aspect of it, rather than weight.

UsedToBeHusky

My 8 yr old wanted to be on MFP too. I told her that the site probably wouldn't allow it. But I don't necessarily think it is a bad idea to teach them about tracking their food. It helps them learn early on about moderation and portion control. And someone posted a study on here the other day that people that keep food diaries have a higher success rate of sustaining long-term weight loss. Why not teach them a good habit early on? Maybe you could give her a paper diary to track her calories and just used the database to look up foods for her.

cessnaholly

She defintely doesn't need to count calories but maybe you can use this as a good way to demonstrate healthy eating and the differences between eating healthy and eating junk. But it does sound like a normal teen girl starting to worry over nothing at this point. But to down-play it as nothing or not necessary might make her feel like you aren't taking her issue seriously. Maybe have her do a health project or something like that, or keep her own food journal for 2 months or something?

CBKMom

I think that talking with her and then setting a healthy calorie goal is ok. Then she can see what that junk food choices are doing. Soon enough she is going to be in High school and those choices will starting sticking in places she does not like.
I think having her be aware of the choices that she makes - healthy vs junk is great.

Use it as a teaching tool. Make a fantasty meal of fast food and a real meal. Show her how real food is better and to make great choices.

Just my opinion of course.

casi_ann

Ask the doctor what he thinks. Most kids don't have to count calories and I'd be afraid that this would cause her to focus on foods too much. I didn't start gaining weight until I started worrying about diets.

lhurtubise

Tough call. My children are still small so I can't say for sure what I would do, but maybe a good option would be to help her count her calories without letting her on MFP. I think so inappropriate things happen on this site sometimes and she doesn't really need access to all of that. I know after several months of tracking I can tell you how many calories are in just about everything I eat without looking it up. I think its awesome that she wants to be healthier and even though she's not overweight maybe tracking calories will help her to make healthier choices or realize that some of things she eats are not s healthy. Not sure if my response is helpful, but its just my two cents. In the end the decision is yours as her mom. Also it might be fun it you exercised together! Good Luck

ilookthetype

The site is for people over 18.

I would encourage her to be more active instead and focus on the fitness aspect of it, rather than weight.

This.

♥_Ellybean_♥

ughm no... She is 12.. she should be worried about school and learning to love the person she is, not obsessed about her weight.

newdaynewme

It's good that she wants to be healhier and more aware of what she is eating and how much, but for ME I would say no bc I would want her to focus on other things instead of stressing over having to calorie count. outside of mfp continue implementing fruits/veggies etc and when she's older if she still wants to join then sure! but for her age, its not something I would want my child to become obsessed with just yet.. plus a lot of the forum discussions you probably dont want her to read good luck

yager8725

Instead of counting calories i have my son keep track of serving sizes. That way he is learning control now without being hung up on calories. Super interesting to learn serving sizes and easy for them to do on their own. I tell my son we can have ALMOST anything we want but only 1 serving size.

elizahbeth

You are the most influential person in her life and always willbe.

If she sees and knows you are countin every cal in every mouthful, she will worry that she should be doin the same, or that she will have to someday, just like you do.

Cakepiebeer

man.. Kids dont need to count calories.. they just need to stay active. But I agree, now would be a perfect time to show her the way to healthy foods

whitehandlady

well....it isn't neccessarily a bad thing....if she can give you 3 to 5 sound and well balanced reasons why she wants to join i'd say yes.....at her age what she sees you doing she naturally will want to do....and if she begins good health and eating habits now.....she will grow with that all her life......i would definitely get her to foucus on nutrition and exercise and other things besides calories....help her see the whole picture

amymeenieminymo

A kid is never too young to learn to eat healthy, but I think it's way too young to be counting calories. Maybe try telling her that as someone who is still growing a developing, she needs certain foods that you don't so restricting what she eats isn't good for her. However let her follow your example of eating well and exercising. Does she play any sports? Do you get physical activity as a family (go for walks, play in the yard)?

It's a tough one, my 14 year old neice was just diagnosed with bulemia, so a child expressing too much interest in being skinny and counting calories is worrisome for sure. Maybe try to talk to her about what she thinks is healthy and go from there.