Need Advice- My daughter needs to lose weight!
WendyA1119
Posts: 53
Hello All,
I am on my weight loss journey to reclaim my health and body for the better. However, my 16 year old daughter is also in need of her own journey to better health and I am having trouble motivating her. She is 56lbs overweight and the Dr said we need to get her weight down in the next year. Slow and steady. The problem is, she is not motivated at all to do much of anything. I am trying not to make it a huge deal so she doesn't get a complex or even rebel. But my suggestions of dance class, personal trainer, Home DVD's do nothing. All she wants to do is sit on the PC and chat with her friends on FB all day. How would you guys suggest is the best way to handle this tough and touchy situation the best way possible?
I am on my weight loss journey to reclaim my health and body for the better. However, my 16 year old daughter is also in need of her own journey to better health and I am having trouble motivating her. She is 56lbs overweight and the Dr said we need to get her weight down in the next year. Slow and steady. The problem is, she is not motivated at all to do much of anything. I am trying not to make it a huge deal so she doesn't get a complex or even rebel. But my suggestions of dance class, personal trainer, Home DVD's do nothing. All she wants to do is sit on the PC and chat with her friends on FB all day. How would you guys suggest is the best way to handle this tough and touchy situation the best way possible?
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Replies
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Maybe take her to a few high school games like volleyball, basketball or softball to see if you can spark her interest? Does she have any friends that are into sports? It just has to be fun to her. Good luck!!!0
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Studies have shown that kids will emulate their friends -- ie an kid with active friends will be more active.
So get her off the computer, and have her spend time with her friends face to face. Offer to take her to the beach, to a waterpark, someplace where there is activity -- even if it is just walking on the boardwalk, or the mall.
Also, she is 16. Make her get a summer job for 10-12 hrs a week, even if it is unpaid volunteer work. Get her outside the house.0 -
sparkteens.com
MFP for teens0 -
Something along the lines of, for every 30 min you spend on the computer/infront of the TV you have to do an hour of some sort of activity.. pick what it is.. over-weight or healthy weight my mom would make me get outside and get active when I was younger..0
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If she's into games, maybe things like Wii Fit or Dance Central. Even my brother loves the dance games, which is absolutely hilarious. He made me promise not to tell his friends he loves Lady Gaga's "Poker Face"! That game will whoop your butt, but it's so much fun!0
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just walk together . but do it without here knowing zoo, shopping , paddle boating in a park lake if you have one . wii fit or games that make you move. and make esating right a game if you eat the fewest cal in a day you get the money or pick the movie .0
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I agree with the above poster's suggestion about sports! Also, force her into the gym with you! She might be resisting now because she doesn't think she'll enjoy working out BUT maybe if you take her with you might learn that she likes it!0
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Does she like going to the mall or anything? You could take her and just walk around and window shop. Take her on everyday errands where there is alot of movement involved (ie grocery shopping).0
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Do you have a gaming system, like Wii or PS3? I got my daughter Zumba and she loves it! Maybe you could do it together.0
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martial arts might intrest her if shes not already too self conscious. honestly other than trying to get her into a sport i have no idea. when i was overweight as a teen nothing in the world could have made me change until i was ready. didnt help that all motivation was coming from my mom who did nothing to fix her own weight problems.0
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Physical activity is definitely going to be preferred, but it's not necessary for losing weight.
Buy/prepare less food. If she's not overeating, she's going to lose weight.0 -
continue cooking her healthy meals, get rid of the junk in the house and replace it with healthy snacks, and lead by example. She needs to make the decision herself, really.0
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Does she not want to work out together? My sister is 16 and her doctor has recommended she become more active. She is not overweight, just has some health issues that a more active lifestyle would be benificial to. My mom tries to get her to do workout videos, etc but she will have nothing of it. She is staying with me for the summer and I suggested she get a membership at my gym and we can go daily together. She honestly loved the idea; maybe your daughter just wants someone to workout WITH her?0
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definately love this idea! She needs to be able to get up and do something.
Also, change the whole food situation around in the house if you haven't already. Portion control is key. Even at food joint, i measure my food. People look at me weird but it works0 -
I know it's easier said than done.. but limit the PC time! Allow her 1 hr a day.. and have her earn more time by doing healthy/positive things! Chores are exercise! Great way to earn more PC time and get active!
I learned a long time ago that some kids just aren't into sports, which makes it extremely difficult to get them active! Good Luck and I'll be looking to see the outcome!0 -
You guys can take zumba together or go for a walk every night together. Don't have any junky foods in the house like chips/ice cream.0
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Sometimes you have to step up and be the parent. Regardless of her weight, staring at a screen all the time isn't good for her. I would start with limiting the computer time!0
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I would also suggest Zumba. Maybe as an activity the two of you can do together. It is a lot of fun and a great workout at the same time.0
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First and foremost, make sure that she doesn't see exercise as a punishment for being overweight - that's how I felt when I was younger and it took me years to enjoy exercise. She might feel like she's not good at it, she'll look ridiculous exercising, etc.
I would absolutely limit her screen time. She shouldn't be allowed to sit at the computer all day - an hour a day (including tv and computer) is plenty. Without that as an option she might be more interested in doing something else. But again, that rule should apply to everyone; she shouldn't be punished for her weight by limiting her computer time. It's just not healthy for anyone!
For now, just take her for a walk with you. Ask her to join you for company. My dad did that with me and that was probably the best thing anyone could have done. Going for a walk doesn't seem intimidating, but "working out" sure does!0 -
Make sure there's no junk in the house. At least you can manage what she eats while she is at home. My hubby is trying to lose weight so we make sure not to have any snacky foods around (chips, cookies, etc). If he is hungry he actually has to prepare his food. This makes him think twice as to whether or not he is truly hungry or just "snacky". And the foods we have to prepare are healthier choices. Good luck!!0
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