My obese niece?

Question

My 11 year old niece is overweight and her mother (my sister) does not seem to care, and keeps insisting that her daughter is NOT overweight. I keep telling my sister that this is a cruel world and that she needs to put her daughter on a diet, but my sister insists that she will grow out of this “baby fat.” I even told her she needs to have her exercising because her weight can lead to health problems later in life, but my sister tells me that her daughter will worry about health problems such as cholesterol when she is in her 40s like everyone else, and that she doesn’t need to worry about it as a kid.
Last weekend, my niece was at my house while her mother was attending a work-related event. I made sure to only cook a fat-free dinner, and even suggested that we go walk the dog around the block after dinner for exercise. I get a call from my sister afterwards complaining and yelling at me about what I did. Is she right or am I right? And how can I get my sister to wake up!

Answer 1

You are doing the 'tough love thing' and i say HIGH FIVE to you - your niece is very lucky to have you. However, you have a tricky situation at hand, there is the your sis - if you push things it will be ugly and back fire - subtle is the best path. Talk to your niece and teach her what you know about food - kids just don't know about carbs and what to eat when - no eating in the bedroom - no snacks after dinner - carbs in the morning - you sound like a sharp woman and you are doing the right thing! Just be cool - your niece will respect you and in the long run she will copy you!
My 2cents - I have two girls of my own
All the best!

Answer 2

That is very sad but unfortunately this is not uncommon. I think your sister probably does care, it is just hard for her to accept, therefore she handles it by trying to pretend that the problem doesn't exist. At 11, her daughter will not be able to lose her "baby fat". I don't think it is right to put a child on a diet however her mother needs to start providing better foods at home for her. If she ignores the problem it will not go away, it will just get worse. She should sign the daughter up in different activities and sports so its not just about exercising but it will also be fun for her. She should be active. That is the problem nowadays. Kids have all these fast foods then sit in front of the tv or computer. I ate alot as a child and was skinny. I was never deprived of any "junk food". But I was always outside playing and being active. I really believe that is the key. The next thing is for your sister to keep the junk food out of the house. Don't make the change in food about the daughter either. The mom should tell her, that everyone in the household is going to try to eat better.

I see nothing wrong with what you did. Although keep in mind, one fat free dinner isn't going to make a difference. Going for a walk around the block was a great idea. I think it would unfortunately take something bad happening to her daughter for her to wake up. Unless she overheard people talking, which also might wake her up. Don't give up though.

Answer 3

Tell her this:
I was a skinny child. Then I gained some weight that my mom isists was baby fat and I would "grow out of it". Well HA surprise I didnt. I am 18 now and I am obese. I have asthma, arthritis. I also have poor workout and eating habits. I am unhealthy. I have back problems from my weight up front. I am self concious because I am so big. I cant shop at stores like Aeropostale and A&E, cuz I am too big for the clothes. I have had no boyfriends. If only I had worked out and ate better when I was younger. I can change my habits still, but it is harder as time progresses to break habits.

Answer 4

you really seem to care about your niece and areconcerned abvout her weight.but butting heads with your sister over this issue could backfiire.If your niece feels you and her mom are mad at each over her she may start eating more and more .Feeling she is the cause she may become withdrawn and afraid she may lose one of you. Is there anyway you and your sister could join a place like curves go a few times and alway let your nice know how much fun you and your are having then invite your niece to come with you. My wife and a couple of her friend did this for a lady with low self esteem who was overweight .This lady still goes to curves because ghe seen it could be fun and no one teased or mention her weight j Maybe ytour sister would do this. Maybe your sister is just trying protect her daughter the only way she feels does not hurt your nieces feelimg or she is in denial .you and your sister must think of your nieces heath physically and possiblyt mentally not over whos right. Get a doctor or dietitian opinion This is important to your niece. dont give up but please get sister on side or this could cause mental problems later on as niece could blame herself for mom and aunt not getting along thanks for listening Ipray for your niece sis and you

Answer 5

Well, it seems like YOU'RE part of the cruel world that you warned your sister about. Don't push it directly on the child like a scary sneaky old aunt. Convince your sister first.

Just sit her down and tell her that you are genuinely concerned for her daughter's health, and that she is living in a parental delusion (the idea that they're child is perfect no matter what). She needs to open her eyes before her child has SERIOUS health problems later in life. Don't focus on the beauty, focuse on the STUNTED GROWTH, and the HEART ATTACKS.

Answer 6

It's not a case of who's right or not....your sister will never come around to your way of thinking. Really the only thing you can do is keep spending time with your niece and doing the fat-free and exercise things when she's with you.

Answer 7

unfortunately, she doesnt seem like the kind that will wake up, which is really unfair for your niece. everyone that ive talked to who is overweight now and was overweight as kids always wish they just layed off the junk food as kids and played sports instead of video games. maybe convince your niece somehow, teach her the negatives of obesity.

Answer 8

My aunt is just like this my cousins `12 and is very overweight and doesnt like to do much. my mom and other family has tryed to talk to her but it doesnt really work and it makes everyone stressed out because she babies her so sorry if i couldnt answer your question but at least u know that theres other people out there with your problem.

Answer 9

i could do away with those ingredients. She's nonetheless youthful and youthful young ones must be compelled to eat precise, taught early... according to probability hide the oil she chefs with. tell her not extra frying by way of fact that's not healthful!!!!! not even by way of fact she is obese....yet that that's for her wellness. permit her cry approximately it. extra effective she learns now

Answer 10

Ask the young lady how she feels about it. If she is okay with it, don't you worry, she will in a few years and maybe she will convince her mother of changing her "lifestyle" in a healthier way.

Just my thoughts.