Handling Childhood Obesity:
What Moms Need To Know And Never Do
What You Need To Know
All the nagging in the world won't change your child's eating habits. In fact, nagging will only make the situation worse for the entire family. Food becomes a weapon.
If you believe your child or teen-ager needs to be told he or she is overweight, you're wrong. Your children know well and it's become a part of their body images.
Your overweight child is teased by the other kids.
Your child faces temptation to eat high calorie foods all day, every day. Just watch an hour of Saturday morning TV to see what your child is up against.
There is no blame to be assigned to an obesity problem.
Obesity doesn't indicate a character flaw or a lack of self-discipline.
As the parent, you're in the best position to support your child in a very real way. Buy healthier foods. prepare healthier foods and serve smaller portions.
Childhood obesity is usually a family problem. If one or more family members are overweight, chances are the family's diet needs some revamping.
What You Should Never Do
Unless you suspect an underlying medical problem, don't take your child to the doctor to discuss weight issues. In the child's mind, this equates obesity with an illness.
Never express disappointment if your child falls short of his or her goals. Always be supportive, always be positive.
Never send your child to fat camp. You might as well shine a spotlight on the problem.
Never put your child "on a diet". It's a prescription for failure.
Never discuss your child's weight in front of her, in front of other family members or friends. Sensitivity to the problem must start with you.
Don't use cute nicknames like 'Pudge', 'Buttercup' or 'Pork Chop' How embarrassing is that?
Don't allow food to become a point of contention. Arguing about food is like arguing about air. Your child's eating habits are ingrained early. The only way to change them is through a gradual transition, with no hoopla or fanfare.
Never compare your child to other children, or worse, to the celebrities you see on TV.
Never become part of the problem. Be a resource and an ally. Show sympathy, but recognize that you're limited in what you can do to help with low self-esteem.
Encourage your child to take up hobbies that involve physical activity.
Exercise can be fun, and no one even has to know it's exercise!
