One of my nieces is 10 years old. She is getting quite chubby. Should someone help her start a diet?

Question

Or how can someone help her the best??

Answer 1

I am a former "fluffy " girl, and I know from experience that you get fat from being LAZY. I would not tell her that she is getting a lil chubby, those few words can really screw with a young girls mind. I would simply try to get her involved in activities other than watching TV and playing video games. If you have the extra time, invite her to go to the park with you on a weekly basis. Ask her mom to enroll her in dance, swimming, cheer, softball, basketball, or any other fun activity. I used to enjoy walking through the mall with my friends for exercise. I do encourage you to talk with her mom, and make it very clear that her weight issue should not be discussed, just make exercise fun. If it is fun, then most 10 year old do it, and do not realize they are losing weight and having fun.

Answer 2

As her aunt I would approach this in two ways....

One talk to your sister/brother about the family eating habits. If your niece is the only one in the family that is chubby.... there could be other things involved, if not, well it might be well advised for the whole family to endulge in proper diet.

Then, get her some exercise. Sign her up for dance classes at a studio, or Karate classes, cheerleading classes, gymnastics, whatever her pleasure is. Its best if you can do it as an "aunt together time" but if time or distance keep you apart, do it as a gift because "you know she is interested in it".

These two things are great because.... well it may all be your fascination with being thin, or a growth spurt about to happen, or some other wierd things, and BOTH of these suggestions can only help a person, who is perfectly healthy or is starting on the road to being overweight.

Answer 3

"Diets" per se are not really healthy for anyone, unless you are talking about "changing her diet." What I mean is, a child should learn a healthy lifestyle of nutrition and exercise that she can carry through life. A 10 year-old does not need to learn the ways of yo-yo and fad diets. My suggestion is to find a nutritionist that can set up a healthy eating plan and make exercise suggestions to fit her and her family's lifestyle. Learning to live healthy as a child will carry into adulthood. Think LONG TERM, not short fix. Also realize that some children, by genetics are "chubbier" until they reach maturity. (Ever hear of "baby fat"?) What were her parents like as children? If the case gets severe, realize that excess weight can also be the result of health problems or a side-effect of some medications.

Answer 4

Look at the parents. Are they "chubby" too? Then your case is probably going nowhere.

I would just talk to the mom and say you are concerned about little Niece's health. Otherwise you cannot interfere. I don't think dieting is a good thing at this age but eating better and getting exercise certainly is.

Answer 5

If I was her mother I would stop buying alot of junk food and soda. Replace her diet with more fruit and veggies. I certainly wouldn't tell the young child she's fat that will only cause problems for her mentally. Her mom has control over what she is eating. She's the one that needs to make the changes. Other family can help by not treating her to candy, ice cream, ect. Her mom needs to watch the portions the kid is eating as well. Maybe mom needs to become more active with her child. Go for bike rides or walks with her. Get her enrolled at YMCA for swimming classes or Dance Lessons. The child needs to be more active.......

Answer 6

It depends on what you mean by chubby. If the girls doctor thinks there is a problem with her weight then yes she needs to do something now while she's young before her weight ruins her health. If she is just getting a little pudgy then I would just make sure she eats healthy and gets plenty of exercise. You don't want to make her self conscious about her weight. There are too many girls with issues about their weight and eating disorders. Some girls plump up a little before they hit puberty and 10 is the perfect age for that. Just offer her fruits instead of candy and water instead of soda and make sure she is active.

Answer 7

Starting a ten year old on a diet will be to stressful for her. but why not get her to eat more healthily without completely removing all the sweets. why not try buying her some healthy fruit juices that taste just as good as cola eg tropicana or grilld chiken instead of fried. maybe buy her a jumprope or a small trampoline so she can jump away the calories and have fun. try to challenge her by saying something like "i bet u ten bucks that u cant jump 50 times. sure it may cost you but itll help get her into shape.

Answer 8

You should ask the parents if you can make some suggestions. If they say yes, then do what you can for her. If they say no, then you must respect their parental authority.

However this girl should get help now, before it gets too far out of hand, so try to be as convincing as possible. Once she is a few years older (maybe 15 - 16) and if she still has this problem, then you can step in and help her without parental consent.

Answer 9

Some form of exercise should take place. Something fun like dancing every other day. Also, keep up with nutrition. She should drink alot of water, and watch either the portions she eats or the typical foods she eats daily. Try setting rapid goals, too. Keep her determine, reward her, and make sure she knows the facts and why these things are important. Take it from me ,once, in that same postion and age. Just comfort her, adjusting things to a heathy, happily customized setting.

Answer 10

Not an actual DIET. There's been studies shown that using that term in this age group can set them up for big-time eating disorders. Not a good plan.

Talk to her mom and/or dad and let them know your concerns. Also, spend time with your niece and show her your good eating habits - kids learn by example!! Do some activities with her - go bike riding or learn tennis together or something - it'll be under the guise of you two spending time together and bonding - but it'll be good for her, and it won't kill you either. =)

Good luck!!