My best friend had a baby and was killed in a car accident two weeks later. Her parents have obtained full custody since the baby's father is a deadbeat. They have been raising this child for about 3 years and I understand that it is difficult, but there is a huge problem. They feed her GARBAGE (for example, it is not uncommon for her to eat 2 hot dogs a day, 5 days a week). She eats McDonalds, candy, chips, and soda. She is already overweight for her age (about 12 lbs. over). This child is going to have a tough life already, considering she doesn't have any parents. If she's obese on top of that, bullying and health problems are inevitable. How can I possibly mention this without offending anyone?? HELP!
2006-09-17 01:22:57 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
Also, I am extremely close to the family and to the child. I see her all the time and I'm a very big part of her life, so I know for a fact that this is her day to day diet. I'm not just making assumptions.
2006-09-17 04:03:21 · update #1
it might be too hard to talk to her grandparents and still be on good terms. They may or may not be offended, but for the sake of the child it's not really somethign you want to risk.
You should be the good aunt who likes to take her out and do things. take her out to the park or to the movies and while you're gone teach her to like healthy things. She's at a very vulnerable age where she mimics everyone she looks up to, but at the same time may be quite picky.
You have to teach her that healthy foods are good!
you can find some ideas for healthy snacks here:
http://nutrition.about.com/od/snacksforchildren/
Also take her places where she can get good excercise! Bounce houses, playgrounds, and swimming pools are always good places. You might even be able to find a local baby gym!
just help her stay active and teach her how to eat some good healthy snacks and she'll be just fine!
2006-09-17 01:45:39 · answer #1 · answered by JD 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I'm in a similer situation.But it is with my twin nieces.One of them is very small and petite and the other is very over weight..I know my sister realizes it but she still gets very upset when someone says anything to her..No one wants to believe anything is wrong with their children or g-children.But I do believe something should be said..Over weight or obese problems are extremely bad now days for children in this country..I just read a article yesterday that said 1 in 5 children will be over weight or obese by 2010.
I think you should just do some research get all your facts together..And show them what you have found..Show them that being overweight can cause all sorts of health problems ..One being Diabetes and can cause leg and back pain..Teasing and bulling..Maybe if they could read it for themselves and notice there is a problem and that your willing to offer some help...Like take her to the park or skating..Or a dance class then she wouldn't notice that you all are trying to point straight out that she has a weight problem..Explain to the little girl that the reason you are not going to McDonalds all the time is you all want to spend time doing this other fun stuff and having picnics after a bike ride..Make it fun for her and she will take all that she learns with her as she gets older..I know this is a tough situation..I'm feel for you deeply..My sister is starting to come around a bit..So you'll be in my prayers tonight..God Bless..
2006-09-17 01:50:00 · answer #2 · answered by Love Song 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have no business...you are not a relative, nor were you granted any right to parent. They do need to bring the child to a doctor, eventually. And, the doctor will state concern about the child's weight, if the child is overweight. If the child goes to a good pediatrician, the doctor will ask them what is being fed to the child. When the child goes to school, they will have to provide a physical for the child...and the child will be introduced to different foods in school and nutrition and physical education.
If you are concerned about the child's health, then you can start to actively participate in the child's life...such as a big sister. You can babysit and feed her healthy foods that she might like...You can include her in walks, swimming lessons, etc...you can pay for her to participate in sports when she is older. Although, you have got to stick to it...this would be a life long commitment...not a hobby to start up and then dump when you become frustrated or board...also, the guardians and the child have to be receptive to it.
Good luck!
2006-09-17 01:29:59 · answer #3 · answered by What, what, what?? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
maybe you could say to them that as a friend of the familly you are worrid about this childs weight. say to them your not critisizing them but you think it would be better for the child if they ate healthier things. but also remember this is a childs life we are talking about so maybe going for the sof approasch might not be enough. if they dont listen to you try and get a doctor or someone to explain it to them they probally feel like she should get everything she wants because of her parents and at that age you want candy and things like that and they feel like the child has already had a tough time and dont want to say no but it is her life that is going to be ruined by people bullying her and even health problems just remind them of that. good luck
2006-09-17 01:33:19 · answer #4 · answered by mummy to 3 miracles 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe just come right out with it. I am sure they are doing this because it is easier than feeding the little one good food. Have some solutions to offer with your little chat. Offer to take an active part in the little ones life and supply the proper foods, or at the least, bring over some children's vitamins to help balance things out.
2006-09-17 01:25:57 · answer #5 · answered by MICHIGAN PI 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take "healthy" food over there for her. Just tell them that you admire them for taking care of their grandchild, and that you want to do more to help. Start taking the child groceries (fruits and veggies) and tell the grandparents that you'll be back every week to help out. Eventually they'll catch on. If they don't, you can always send them some magazines about children and obesity, hopefully they'll read them.
2006-09-17 01:26:34 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Poor child - she is learning alot of bad habits before she ever gets to school. Send the question and all the answers - blot out your identification - to the grandparents - I don't think it will help but you gave it a good try - pray for the child!@
2006-09-17 02:18:36 · answer #7 · answered by nswblue 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would find a children's recipe book with some really QUICK & EASY meals in it, say you saw it out cheap and you thought it had some cool ideas in it so you got it for them. Id say they have got into the habit of easy meals that the child will eat without fuss but maybe they need a few healthy ideas...
2006-09-17 01:56:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to be straight with them hounestly it is bad enough being bullied tell them that is time to stop feeding her garbage and start giving healthy food it is going to be hard because she is all ready used to junk food so help them out along the way.
Good Luck
2006-09-17 01:57:48 · answer #9 · answered by slybaconalec 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds to me like this child needs some really caring love. Instead of talking to the g-parents how about you fill the void and set a good example in their presence.
2006-09-17 01:25:41 · answer #10 · answered by icheeknows 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋