Over wheight children???

mypal1 · June 2008

How do we motivate our children...? I have a 12 year old son, who at the rate he is going has the real potential of being very over wheight very shortly.

He does not at all seem interrested in being healthy, I can't get him to eat anything good for him.

He will be in Junior High School next year and would like to think he would have an easier time if he was not as heavy as he is.

Any suggestions on what to suggest to him to do and eat that a picky eater may like.

mypal1 · June 2008

How do we motivate our children...? I have a 12 year old son, who at the rate he is going has the real potential of being very over wheight very shortly.

He does not at all seem interrested in being healthy, I can't get him to eat anything good for him.

He will be in Junior High School next year and would like to think he would have an easier time if he was not as heavy as he is.

Any suggestions on what to suggest to him to do and eat that a picky eater may like.

mrsyac2 · June 2008

turn off the tv and video games and put him outside.. Also you have control over what he or she eats you are the parent you buy the food in the house. Also you could get outside and play with your child.. Dont mean to sound rude but its pretty much common sense on how not to let your children become overweight- society today has kids in the house watching tv stuffing their faces and playing video games then time goes by and they are fat and lazy-- when I was a kid I was never in the house i constantly played outside and my kids are the same way-- my kids look at tv as a treat because they rather be outside playing.. Get out and get active and dont put the junk food in your house if your kids don't know about moderation- my kids have easy access to there snack cabinet and they never go over board and my kids are 3 and 7.. but i have seen other kids tear apart a fridge and snack cabinet like they are from a 3rd world country and never seen food those are the kids that don't need that food in the house.. Again I am sorry if I came off harsh-- i am a very blunt person.

iojoi · June 2008

thats difficult for u ..
my thing was to not buy rubbish food or snacks for the cuboards and freezer and have huge bowl of yummy fruit always there so mine cdnt eat rubbish when ever they grabbed a snack .. i think giving kids food that looks bright and appetising helps a bit .. but if hes the type of kid that wont eat anything green or healthy thats tough to sort out
i dont do sodas at all we have sparkling water and mix drinks and juices with that .. if theres a jug in the fridge they grab that all the time ...
what about having those yummy cereal bars with a chocolate covering for snacks that are only 90 cals
and as a family playing a sport together or swimming every week together ..
cos i do think role modeling its the best encouragement u can give
mine moaned and groaned when they were younger but it was worth it as they are very health concious now
best of luck

iojoi · June 2008

to add i wdnt make to much of either or even talk about changes just do ti cos the more u push the issue the more he will defy u
just change the contents of the cuboards freezer and get active as a family

turtle · June 2008

Maybe you could just health up the meals he already eats ( i.e. lasagna w/ low fat cheese and lean beef, extra veggies for dinner and cooking less of the entree so he'll fill up on those instead of the high calorie stuff, and weight watchers desserts for the entire family) I've heard that it's best to focus on the entire family making healthier food choices and not bringing up his weight until it becomes a real issue since all it would do is put him on the defensive. I hope this helps! Congratulations on your weight loss so far and good luck with his!

runawaybride · June 2008

I have a rule in my house to "try" everything once and if you don't like it than you can spit it out or not eat it!!! Why this works is because sometimes they look at it and say No way and then taste it and actually like it ...... and yes there are times when they try it and don't like it but why force them to eat things they don't like ....that in itself can lead to overeating or eating out of obligation....I think you can at least find a couple things of veggies and fruit he likes and keep cooking em.

My family favorite...I have a picky 6 year old and not so picky 7 year old...and ours is Grilled Chicken,Green Giant garlic and herb roasted potatoes, and steamfresh whole green beans....they love it and it is healthy.

So experiment a little and when you find something he likes don't be afraid to eat it every other day..that is what we do !!!

Let us know how it goes!!!

pmkelly409 · June 2008

Oh this is such a passionate issue for me! If I could just quit my job and be an advocate for children!!

What is he doing for the summer? you need to get him up and out and involved! can he be a junior camp counselor somewhere? does he play sports? what about mowing lawns for people in the neighborhood? newspaper route? even babysitting, I know a few boys who love to hang out with younger boys and teach them stuff. My 7 y.o loves older boys who can teach him about cool stuff!! Beg, borrow and steal from friends, co-workers and see what you can find for him! Do you know someone who does construction that he can go and be a helper? doesn't have to be everyday..

this is such a tough age I know- tough love mom!! Just don't buy the stuff that he shouldn't be eating. The doctor told me to let my son go hungry - he will learn to eat the right stuff if that is all there is. I don't have any chips or candy or sugary stuff in my house anymore.

He is extremely finicky but he will eat apples, carrots, rice cakes, yogurt. Also, I started making my own tomato sauce - I boil vegetables until mushy and puree them into jar tomato sauce (if he doesn't see that prego label he wont eat it!). I taught him to make his own little pizzas with the premade crusts.

iojoi · June 2008

I've heard that it's best to focus on the entire family making healthier food choices and not bringing up his weight until it becomes a real issue since all it would do is put him on the defensive. I

thats really good advice if one of my teens mums needed help thats what i wd suggest

mypal1 · June 2008

Let me add, My son is autistic and has alot of sensory disorders, on of which includes things he puts in his mouth. I have to trick him into eating fruits, He will eat some veggies but not enough of them. It is also hard to find things he is interrested in doing he has large motor skill problems, He is very clumbsy. other than that he is a very smart boy.

I have three daughters two grown who are about a size 3-4 each and a 10 year old that the doctor says needs to gain weight. so over weightness doesn't necessarily runs in the family.

iojoi · June 2008

Let me add, My son is autistic and has alot of sensory disorders, on of which includes things he puts in his mouth. I have to trick him into eating fruits, He will eat some veggies but not enough of them. It is also hard to find things he is interrested in doing he has large motor skill problems, He is very clumbsy. other than that he is a very smart boy.

I have three daughters two grown who are about a size 3-4 each and a 10 year old that the doctor says needs to gain weight. so over weightness doesn't necessarily runs in the family.

i certainly i hope i didnt imply that cos thats not what i mean
its just if we all eat together healthily with out kids its good role modeling & if ur all eatin godd stuff it not puttin the focus on him as having an issue
autisium is a hard one if they dislike the texture smell or look of something its very hard to get them to try it ..
i hope u find a way to get him through this :flowerforyou:

mjfer123 · June 2008

As a recent child, now college graduate, I have kinda gone through some of this.
When I was younger my mom only had fresh fruits, veggies and water in juice in the house.
Just keeping junk food out of the house kept the entire family healthy.
Ice cream and eating fast food was considered a treat, not the norm.
Things changed in the family when I got into high school and it was easier to keep worse food and quicker meals in the house. This resulted in some weight issues across the board.

I think just keeping only healthy food in the house is best. Like someone said, your kid will have to learn to like healthy food if thats all there is to eat.

Also, limit the amount of time he can watch tv or play video games or go on the internet, etc etc etc.
Maybe if he doesn't like team sports he can try tai kwan do / karate classes.
Basically anything that gets him out. Try going on nature hikes or bike rides as a family.
I know there are an abundance of national and state parks and things everywhere. You just have to look. Hope this helps. :drinker:

pmkelly409 · June 2008

Let me add, My son is autistic and has alot of sensory disorders, on of which includes things he puts in his mouth. I have to trick him into eating fruits, He will eat some veggies but not enough of them. It is also hard to find things he is interrested in doing he has large motor skill problems, He is very clumbsy. other than that he is a very smart boy.

I have three daughters two grown who are about a size 3-4 each and a 10 year old that the doctor says needs to gain weight. so over weightness doesn't necessarily runs in the family.

Have you looked into an Autism or ADHD support group? We have one here that has a ton of activities for families that are dealing with children with these disorders - diagnosed or not.

my picky one is ADD so I can completly understand! He is not a jock at all but he loves science. we enrolled him in a program at the local community college called Kids in College. They have classes all year round that focus on different science related topics, he performs so much better when he is in these classes.

Be creative, resourceful, think outside the box, talk to your pediatrician and you will find the answer - it sounds like this is your cross to bear!

mypal1 · June 2008

I also do not buy any soda, only sugar free cool aid or crystal light, water only I only buy skim milk and non sugary cereals, but he will only eat cereal sometimes without milk because thats makes it feel funny to him.

I don't ever keep, candy, chocolate, chips, cookies, crackers, white bread in the house for about the last year, but it seems nothing seems to help.

I'm hoping for a huge growing spurt so he can stretch some of the weight out. Thankfully for him there are a lot of very tall men in his family.

ebug · June 2008

Let me add, My son is autistic and has alot of sensory disorders, on of which includes things he puts in his mouth. I have to trick him into eating fruits, He will eat some veggies but not enough of them. It is also hard to find things he is interrested in doing he has large motor skill problems, He is very clumbsy. other than that he is a very smart boy.

I have three daughters two grown who are about a size 3-4 each and a 10 year old that the doctor says needs to gain weight. so over weightness doesn't necessarily runs in the family.

I have a younger sister who started gaining weight around 5 yrs old. She has alot of learning differences too. She was tested for Asperger's syndrome but end the end was not diagnosed with it (even though she exhibits many of the characteristics). She is now almost 15 and weighs close to 250 pounds. My mother never wanted to call attention to her weight for fear of shattering her self esteem or helping to create an eating disorder. What she didn't realize is that my sister had an eating disorder in the sense that she wouldn't stop eating, sneak food etc. She was extremelly picky and really ate the meat and potatoes diet. Now that she is 15 my sister is finally ready to try and change this and joined Weight Watchers with doctor's permission. She is doing well and is learning how to fuel her body with the proper food. I often think that my mother should have stepped in earlier and put her foot down, but she was waiting until my sister could comprehend the situation and was ready to deal with it.

You may look into the books that have recipes where you puree and "hide" food in dishes that he likes. I don't know what type of physical disabilites he may have but just getting out for a walk is a great start. I take my kids on an "adventure walk" where we play I Spy and discover new things. Its great fun and gets us out of the house and away from the TV. Keep in mind that even if you can't necessarily change his diet overnight that any increase in activity will also help. If he goes to a physcial therapist you may ask for their input.

Good luck!

ebug · June 2008

Oh I forgot one thing... my son (who is 8) is a very picky eater. He won't touch milk, cheese, peanut butter, any kind of beans, among a list of other things. I have started bringing him in the kitchen when I cook and letting him help me. Sometimes I can get him to eat the things that he is made even though he thinks he won't like them. One example, is edamame. He would never touch it until I let him help make it. I also taught him how to make vanilla milk and he will drink it every now and then if he makes it. Maybe let your son help make some things that are not his favorite and see if he will try them.

MrsSorenson · June 2008

I don't know much about Autism at all. But maybe there is an online group or specialist that can give you some advice. There may even be books you can read on it? It still amazes me the things I read about. There is a book for everything!

Good Luck!

cwjett · June 2008

I know how hard it is when your child is overweight. My 12 year old is over weight and he is just now getting to where he wants to eat healthier and lose weight (maybe from watching me count calories!! YAY!) Anyway, I know people try to blame the parents saying it is our fault that our kids are over weight. I don't keep any junk food in my house but my child does stay home by himself during the summer while i'm at work, which means staying inside, then by the time i get off it is getting dark and its time for supper, so there is not much time for playing outside.
He plays soccer spring and fall and swims every day or so. he doesn't eat bad or fattening food but he is still over weight.
I am bringing him to the doctor this summer just to make sure there is no thyroid problem.

AngelicDevil80 · June 2008

Give him chores to do outdoors. Go outside and play with him. Show him how to be healthy. Limit stationary activites like chilling in front of the TV, computer, video games...I cant even pretend to know how a 12 yr old acts..its been to long since I was one and my kids arent to that point yet...

My oldest is on sedatives and at times steroids(for excema and weak lungs)so he gets to the point where he has no energy to get up and move around much. On those days sometimes I just try to get him to do simple tasks that will also work his body. Or I might take him to a place he enjoys(like a nature center) and just say I felt like looking at the trees did he want to sit on a bench w/me and before to long he gets up and moves some.

I hope this helps.

AngelicDevil80 · June 2008

turn off the tv and video games and put him outside.. Also you have control over what he or she eats you are the parent you buy the food in the house. Also you could get outside and play with your child.. Dont mean to sound rude but its pretty much common sense on how not to let your children become overweight- society today has kids in the house watching tv stuffing their faces and playing video games then time goes by and they are fat and lazy-- when I was a kid I was never in the house i constantly played outside and my kids are the same way-- my kids look at tv as a treat because they rather be outside playing.. Get out and get active and dont put the junk food in your house if your kids don't know about moderation- my kids have easy access to there snack cabinet and they never go over board and my kids are 3 and 7.. but i have seen other kids tear apart a fridge and snack cabinet like they are from a 3rd world country and never seen food those are the kids that don't need that food in the house.. Again I am sorry if I came off harsh-- i am a very blunt person.

My 8 yr old will raid any type of snacks or if theres juice or pop around. When I see him eat more then he should he doesnt get any snacks for 24 hours unless its a fruit or veggie, which thankfully he loves.

But the other day I was at walmart and saw 2 young kids, like 3 and 5, who were short but very heavy. I always say Ill make my kids run laps around the house if they start to get to big...sometimes I dont think its to much of me joking.

AngelicDevil80 · June 2008

Let me add, My son is autistic and has alot of sensory disorders, on of which includes things he puts in his mouth. I have to trick him into eating fruits, He will eat some veggies but not enough of them. It is also hard to find things he is interrested in doing he has large motor skill problems, He is very clumbsy. other than that he is a very smart boy.

I have three daughters two grown who are about a size 3-4 each and a 10 year old that the doctor says needs to gain weight. so over weightness doesn't necessarily runs in the family.

Can you go outside and play with him? We used to have these big balls for our autistic children clients and 5 out of 7 of them loved playing with these big balls. Also we did the parachute...its basically a big sheet and toss different sized balls on it then have everyone(need more then 3 players tho) shake it up and down and the balls go all over

It doesnt matter if you are clumsy or not, its just good fun. Go out for a walk with him and just look at flowers or tress or anything. Take him to a park and tell him he doesnt have to play but just sit with you, I bet after a few minutes he gets bored of sitting there and will get up and do something on his own or ask you to play with him.

Just start small and be consistent in doing something that counts as physical activity and eventually it will just turn into a routine. And like others said change eating habits for the whole family and try to get the whole family active!

Eve23 · June 2008

I have a son who is definately heavy for his age. He will be 13 in July. One thing that he loves is smoothies. I buy strawberries and bannanas or other fruit and freeze them then we make smoothies. He feels like he is getting a big treat. Another thing I have found is he really likes shrimp. He likes to snack on it instead of other things.

Another idea is a juicer perhaps and fresh fruits and vegies.

TNTPete · June 2008

It would seem, by your posts, that you limit sugars and carbs but you don't limit portions. I think you have to consistenly portion out his food. My uncle has a disorder as well and he LOVES to eat. So, you have to really monitor him. So, my guess is your son is the same so portion size is key. Also, types and varieties.. the other thing.. play with him. Find a sport he does like... there is something try mini-putt whatever.

msarro · June 2008

SPORTS! At 12 he still has all of middle school and high school to go, so get him involved with sports. My favorites were track and soccer. He'll make friends, get great exercise, learn teamwork, and most likely have a better state of mind thanks to the regular exercise.

jenken99 · June 2008

Let me add, My son is autistic and has alot of sensory disorders, on of which includes things he puts in his mouth. I have to trick him into eating fruits, He will eat some veggies but not enough of them. It is also hard to find things he is interrested in doing he has large motor skill problems, He is very clumbsy. other than that he is a very smart boy.

my son is aspergers and he is a little over weight and he is 8 years old,, lately with the swimming and riding his bike,, i hope he loses,,
i also quit buying all the carb foods he likes and replaced it with the healthier ones..

Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Counter

jenken99 · June 2008

i sometimes dont get this quote thing,, ill get it soon

)

Nich0le · June 2008

You are the mom, you control what is available in the house. You need to clean out your pantry and fridge and put healthy fresh food in it's place.

Set a time for video games and TV, in my house they get one hour then they have to ride bikes, play hackeysack, basketball etc for an hour. I also plan a few hours a week at the local water parks (we have season passes so it makes it free at this point).

At 12 he is old enough to go to the gym and workout with you. My 13 year old goes to Body PUmp and she likes the elliptical and stair master. She has no choice to stay home when it is time to go to the gym.

You have to set the rules and standards or let him keep going on the same path that got you here, no offense, because I am here too. The help you give him now can change his life forever, this is a critical age to really teach kids what healthy is with out criticizing them for how they are now, because in all honesty kids only learn from their parents!

PrincessLaundry · June 2008

Lead by example.

I have watched myself grow frumpy and my son who is 10...I finally REALLY have put the stop on many things. After seven years of playing baseball, this last season he was acting like a slow poke, didn't want to be there, and started complaining about being tired. He's not overweight, he just wanted to be lazy!!!

In more words than this...I basically told him he needed to give baseball his all, and get moving or he'd be passed up for positions and miss out on the fun. I then told him I'd work to get healthy and into shape and loose 30 pounds by the end of the year, if he promised to get moving like he knows how with his sports again! He agreed! I started getting him moving by playing ball myself and running against the kids during practice. I was playing catch, and even let my son show me how to be a catcher and I worked on my pitching! It was great!

So I do all sorts of sports and games with the kids, even more than I use to. Kids are like a free gym membership! I had a hard time keeping up for a while, but it is so much easier now! My son thinks I'm a dork sometimes, but I just change up activities to get him into them if needed. We play in the dark tag, bubble slip and slide, when we go for walks...I have the kids pick their transportation. We ripstick, we go running, swimming, running the beach, we go to the batting cage, driving range. Anything to keep moving each day!

We also don't own an X-box, Playstation or any of those. (gasp!) We have a Wii and only the games where you have to stand and move. LOL My son has a DS, my daughter has a Gameboy. But that's it.

I also have a rule when I buy toys now...They have to be something to use outside. That way they are moving more. My son's last "toy" was a Nerf gun...He had such logic with it, saying he'll have to run and grab the Nerf pieces to reload. WOW! Hokay! My daughter wanted a jump rope.

I have to get creative an I use my kids for their energy. I was doing down a water slide, climbing up, and running around yesterday to keep moving. It was a blast. My kids will always remember how much time I spent with them...and I'm getting healthy and loosing weight too!

Anyway...I hope something here helps. Good luck with this new adventure!

PrincessLaundry · June 2008

Ooohh...that's right! I saw someone else say this...

I totally control the food we are eating. I ask my kids if they had a veggie or fruit at school, and I don't cook a meal without them. Thankfully my kids love salad, how easy is that? I limit the junk I bring into the house. For special treats, we get into the car and go get them.

It is harder since your child is older, but be a dork and do what you want. He'll get it soon!

ali106 · June 2008

Let me add, My son is autistic and has alot of sensory disorders, on of which includes things he puts in his mouth. I have to trick him into eating fruits, He will eat some veggies but not enough of them. It is also hard to find things he is interested in doing he has large motor skill problems, He is very clumsy. other than that he is a very smart boy.

I have three daughters two grown who are about a size 3-4 each and a 10 year old that the doctor says needs to gain weight. so over weightness doesn't necessarily runs in the family.

first...hello!!! and second I also have a child who I have to sneak fruits and veggies into and he too is on the spectrum....so I totally feel your pain!

My son is extremely active (sometimes too much) so he's very lean and fit, but I have other concerns about the fruits and veggies since weight is not a real issue for him...its pretty scary and you will hear..or at least I hear how...Oh so and so only ate P&B sandwiches and they're okay...or my son never had a veggie in his life and he's fine.....

some reason that doesn't make me feel better so I blend veggies and fruits into things he'll eat, rice dishes and pasta dishes...gotta do what you can right! lol

As for the overeating part...I'm trying to think of some food options for his favs that you could switch over time...like does he eat peanut butter...its really yummy on apples and celery...but getting him to eat it is another story....

I know you said he was a bit clumsy, does he have O/T? that can sometimes help w/ motor skills, and even help them do activities...we found a gym class near us that catered to children like our boys....all levels and no stress for them or us....have you tried bike riding yet...my son is just starting to really dig it...but hates the helmet part...welcome to autism right?! lol

well anyway I wish you luck and I'll try to think of more things too!!!
hugs!
Ali :flowerforyou:

ali106 · June 2008

You are the mom, you control what is available in the house. You need to clean out your pantry and fridge and put healthy fresh food in it's place.

Set a time for video games and TV, in my house they get one hour then they have to ride bikes, play hackeysack, basketball etc for an hour. I also plan a few hours a week at the local water parks (we have season passes so it makes it free at this point).

At 12 he is old enough to go to the gym and workout with you. My 13 year old goes to Body PUmp and she likes the elliptical and stair master. She has no choice to stay home when it is time to go to the gym.

You have to set the rules and standards or let him keep going on the same path that got you here, no offense, because I am here too. The help you give him now can change his life forever, this is a critical age to really teach kids what healthy is with out criticizing them for how they are now, because in all honesty kids only learn from their parents!

I think that's totally true but when you throw autism in the mix it really becomes a whole other ball game beleive me LOL....but structure and rules are key so I totally know what you mean and also think you're doing a great job!

hugs!
Ali

Over wheight children???

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