Over wheight children???

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Replies

  • cwjett
    cwjett Posts: 189 Member
    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

    At my gym the kids are not allowed to go into the gym until they are 14. So I am not able to bring my 12 year old to the gym with me.
    I do control what is in my house and i don't have ANY junk food!
    I am not over weight and his father is not over weight, he plays soccer year round and swims every day during the summer and he is still over weight, so it makes me wonder if there is some underlying medical problem.
  • ali106
    ali106 Posts: 3,754 Member
    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

    At my gym the kids are not allowed to go into the gym until they are 14. So I am not able to bring my 12 year old to the gym with me.
    I do control what is in my house and i don't have ANY junk food!
    I am not over weight and his father is not over weight, he plays soccer year round and swims every day during the summer and he is still over weight, so it makes me wonder if there is some underlying medical problem.

    hey cw...if it were me I'd take him in to get checked....my son can't always tell me when something bothers him...and sometimes even kids who can tell you don't know....get that checked and you'll feel better either way knowing and moving on either way! best of luck!!!

    And I don't think any of us could or should try tell people what or how to do things...because every child and family is different....but we can advice on what works for us and take it for what its worth...if things sound like they might work try it...if not don't....you know your children and their issues best!:heart: I know you'll get there! best of luck!!!

    big hugs to us all!!!
    Ali
  • cwjett
    cwjett Posts: 189 Member
    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

    At my gym the kids are not allowed to go into the gym until they are 14. So I am not able to bring my 12 year old to the gym with me.
    I do control what is in my house and i don't have ANY junk food!
    I am not over weight and his father is not over weight, he plays soccer year round and swims every day during the summer and he is still over weight, so it makes me wonder if there is some underlying medical problem.

    hey cw...if it were me I'd take him in to get checked....my son can't always tell me when something bothers him...and sometimes even kids who can tell you don't know....get that checked and you'll feel better either way knowing and moving on either way! best of luck!!!

    And I don't think any of us could or should try tell people what or how to do things...because every child and family is different....but we can advice on what works for us and take it for what its worth...if things sound like they might work try it...if not don't....you know your children and their issues best!:heart: I know you'll get there! best of luck!!!

    big hugs to us all!!!
    Ali

    Thanks Ail, I am actually bringing him this summer to get a check up, i'm wondering about his thyroid since he is always sluggish and doesn't have a whole lot of energy or motivation.
    he was even put on Adderral at one time for ADD and he didn't lose a pound! The doctor was shocked along with myself since most people lose a good bit of weight while taking that.

    But we have done what his doctor has suggested, more fruits and veggies, less junk, no more than one time a week having fast food (we do less than that) So, there is still no change so I think its time to try something else!
    I really wish my gym would lower their age limit for kids to work out, but we got the wii fit this weekend and he is excited about it!! :happy:
  • ohthatbambi
    ohthatbambi Posts: 1,098 Member
    I quit buying Little Debbies. Both my kids would eat like 4 a day. They would be hungry and grab that. Now instead they grab things with less sugar like triscuits, apples, granola bars, etc. I have not bought a Little Debbie in three months and they have not even asked for them.

    We take family walks and call it walking the dog. My hubby and I are cyclists and my ten year old has asked for a good bike for his birthday so he can start riding with us. Get a Wii. If they are stuck on video games then at least they are moving while playing them!!
  • mypal1
    mypal1 Posts: 21
    In the last couple of weeks I have watched his portions more, and make him eat more lean meats. At my gym if he takes a class they are small group 4 kids and they talk about nutrition learn about safety start the kids on cardio machines and them start them on a strength training program the class is 5 weeks and 2 days a week,
    after that he can go to the gym with me. the next class is in mid-july and he will be in it.
    He has been swimming everyday when I go to the Y he goes swimming with his sister.

    Hopefully I can get this under control before he hits the big growth spurt, so he can grow up with it also. :happy:
  • Fab140
    Fab140 Posts: 1,976 Member
    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.

    Portions are a huge thing to learn, no matter what age or learning disability a child has. I never learned portions. And I also was allowed to get seconds and thirds (or we had the food right there and everyone would just keep picking out things to munch).

    I still struggel with protions!

    Support groups are a great way to help. Look at us!! :happy: If you can find a group in your area for autism, undoubtedly you will find someone that has walked a mile in your shoes and can help.

    Best of luck darling!!
  • Fab140
    Fab140 Posts: 1,976 Member
    In the last couple of weeks I have watched his portions more, and make him eat more lean meats. At my gym if he takes a class they are small group 4 kids and they talk about nutrition learn about safety start the kids on cardio machines and them start them on a strength training program the class is 5 weeks and 2 days a week,
    after that he can go to the gym with me. the next class is in mid-july and he will be in it.
    He has been swimming everyday when I go to the Y he goes swimming with his sister.

    Hopefully I can get this under control before he hits the big growth spurt, so he can grow up with it also. :happy:

    Another thing I noticed growing up, the boys were always a little heavy and short until sophmore year and then *BAM* they were tall and lanky......

    And I got into a lot of trouble after that :wink:

    But your concern and love for your son and your willingness to help him discover a healthy life is a HUGE step in the right direction. My father would just point out how big I was compared to my girlfriends.If he would have taken a moment and said, 'Hey, lets learn a sport' or something, I may not have the weight issues I do now.

    :flowerforyou: You are a terrific parent!
  • mypal1
    mypal1 Posts: 21
    we seen Kung Fu Panda last night, and my son compared himself to Po. so maybe I can convince him to take Karate, he's been fighting it, but I'm trying.
  • bayaderka
    bayaderka Posts: 53
    Speak with a nutritionist and/or doctor.

    Absolutely throw-out all junky foods.

    Have the entire family switch to a healthier diet and lifestyle, so your child doesn't feel isolated.

    Have the entire family boycott TV and computer/electronics.

    If all changes are a group effort, your child will feel more keen on making this shift.
  • mypal1
    mypal1 Posts: 21
    I have made lifestyle changes in our whole family, I really never kept junk in the house, but I have been fixing more fat free meals, brown rice instead of white, wheat bread instead of white, Fresh veggieis and fruit instead of canned, no sugary cereals, chicken and fish instead of beef.

    They are fighting me on it but I have already lost 8 pounds because of the change, in the last 3 weeks. I think my son may even feel better. I notice a difference just in his behavior not having the sugar he was eating.
  • bayaderka
    bayaderka Posts: 53
    Those are great changes! I don't know what else to improve upon especially if you enroll him in karate. There is nothing really to improve upon more but if he is not at a healthy weight just check with a nutritionist. At the very least he will not get bigger because the diet changes are quite healthy.
  • Fab140
    Fab140 Posts: 1,976 Member
    I have made lifestyle changes in our whole family, I really never kept junk in the house, but I have been fixing more fat free meals, brown rice instead of white, wheat bread instead of white, Fresh veggieis and fruit instead of canned, no sugary cereals, chicken and fish instead of beef.

    They are fighting me on it but I have already lost 8 pounds because of the change, in the last 3 weeks. I think my son may even feel better. I notice a difference just in his behavior not having the sugar he was eating.

    The biggest thing to remember is that children lose weight differently then we do because their bodies are still growing. But you are doing everything so right! I truely wish that my parents would have taken this appraoch when I was a child instead of my brother and I watching them going on crash diets and the falling off the wagon. It really messes with a child's psyche when they watch a parent struggle with their own weight. I started "dieting" and getting up at 6am to "workout" when I was in the sixth grade.

    Keep up the great work mypal1!!!! You're a great inspiration :flowerforyou:
  • SUPREMENOTORIOUS
    SUPREMENOTORIOUS Posts: 90
    See if your gym offers a program for kids staying in shape. Maybe he can go for 2 days out of the week. Its better than nothing....
  • Courtney
    Courtney Posts: 20
    Try making it a game for him and giving him rewards for small accomplishments. Tell him that you challenge him to get healthy. Set the rules: no junk food, minimal amount of excersize, healthy food choices. When he succeeds, give him a small reward, like allowing him to have a friend sleepover or maybe buying him a new article of clothing that he wants or taking him to an amusement park for a day. Whatever you do, don't reward him with food. My sister used to be very overweight and she wanted to be an actress, so my mom told her that once she lost 60 pounds she would take her on an audition. It worked. My sister is now healthy because my mom got involved and gave her something to work toward.
    You need to remain involved though because if he has never cared about healthy eating he probably doesn't know how to do it. Make it a fun experience for the both of you and the entire family and give him alot of positive feedback so that he knows he is doing a good job and that will motivate him. Good luck to you and I'm interested to see how things turn out.:smile:
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