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| 10 Suggestions For Dealing With Your Child's Obesity In A Positive Way |
By:
Bev Grey |
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Has your child ever come home in tears because someone made fun of her weight? Are you concerned because you know your child is overweight or obese, and at risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and other weight-related conditions? If so, you can deal with the problem in a way that protects your child’s self-esteem while motivating him/her to make healthy lifestyle changes.
Here are some suggestions:
1. Do not permit your family members or friends to comment on your child’s weight in front of them, or to call them names like Porky, Fatty, etc. If necessary, take the person aside in private and explain that name calling or commenting on someone’s weight does not motivate them to change, it just makes them feel worse.
2. If your child is upset because someone made fun of him or treated him badly due to his weight, explain that people often don’t realize how hurtful their comments can be. They also may have low self-esteem themselves, and only feel better by making fun of someone else.
3. Tell your child how special he is and how proud you are of him. Mention specific positive qualities that your child has, such as intelligence, great sense of humor, compassion for others, creativity, etc. Tell him that you love him and will be proud of him whether he weighs 50 pounds or 500 pounds.
4. Tell your child that you are concerned about her health, because certain health problems are tied to poor eating habits and lack of exercise. Ask if she would like your assistance in improving her health, since all family members would benefit from healthier habits.
5. Sit down with the child and make a list of improvements that can be made in health habits. Ask what kind of physical activities she likes best, and agree to participate in some of those activities with her on a daily basis. They might include riding bikes, in-line skating, jumping rope, shooting hoops, swimming, building a snowman or snow fort, or working out to a dance or exercise video. Make a personal commitment to spend 30-60 minutes with your child each day in some kind of physical activity. Get all family members involved, since exercise will improve everyone’s health.
6. Make a list of fruits, veggies and whole grain foods that your child likes. Get his agreement to try one new healthful food each week. Take him grocery shopping with you to help you select healthful foods.
7. “Lead us not into temptation”……Don’t be the “Food Police”. If junk foods are not available in your home, family members will be more likely to eat the healthful foods that are available. Get everyone together and “de-junk” your refrigerator and pantry. You can still have occasional “treats” outside the home at birthday parties, family get-togethers, etc. If your child’s school vending machines have only junk food, give him nuts, fresh or dried fruit or other healthy foods to take for snacks.
8. Teach your child to cook. Children usually love to help their parents with food preparation, and are more likely to eat fruit or vegetable dishes if they have helped prepare them. Children are also more likely to talk to you about their school activities or problems while you are working together.
9. Praise positive lifestyle changes, not weight loss. “I’m really proud of you for eating your vegetables” or “I can tell that your stamina and energy have improved since we started walking every day. You are able to walk farther and faster that you could a month ago”. The goal should be to develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime, not just lose weight temporarily.
10. Be generous with hugs. We all need them, and even if your family is not usually demonstrative, just open your arms, say “I need a hug!” and see what happens! You may be amazed at the response!
By taking the emphasis away from weight and toward better health, your child will be more likely to grow into a healthy, well-adjusted adult. |
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