My neice has been staying with me for four months because her mother is terminally ill. She is 11 years old and very sensitive and extremely depressed right now. She is atleast 50 pounds overweight and picked on terribly at school because of it. My son and I spend a lot of time at the YMCA and she never wants to go with us. She has been staying four months, and I feel she will stay much longer. Should I push that physical exercise is just a "rule" in my home or not push it because of all she is going through.
2007-01-26 22:25:45 · 5 answers · asked by salinger 4 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
I would push lightly. Maybe you can find a way, a different activity, just to get her started then re-introduce the Y and/or something more intense. It sounds like her emotional stress will get worse soon with the loss of her mother. I would think she doens't need a great deal more stress right now. Watch the intake, try to get her active in SOMETHING (walking maybe), and support her. I hope all works out as best it can for your family.
2007-01-26 23:18:17 · answer #1 · answered by poorsias 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would push the exercise thing. Its for her health, both physical and mental. See if you can sign her up for some classes just for kids her age- at the Y. It will make her feel better about herself to get out and be with other kids, she may even make some new friends. Also, it will help with the weight thing, and hopefully get her mind off her mother.
2007-01-26 22:40:51 · answer #2 · answered by Penny P 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The child's mother is dying. The poor kid is using food for comfort. She needs grief counseling to deal with her mom's impending death, not people nagging her to lose weight. Show some compassion.
2007-01-26 23:37:18 · answer #3 · answered by Debra D 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My boys were overweight at one time and the doc told me to control thier intake and not try to make them lose weight, but to not let them gain it either. They need to be able to grow into the weight. If you get into some activities that she may enjoy and occupy her mind, it will be better, but please dont push. Shes going through enough without having to worry that her size is making you unhappy.
2007-01-26 23:29:38 · answer #4 · answered by JC 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
don't force her, she doesn't need that at the moment. Why don't you just do things like walk to shops, tell her you need help with the shopping.If it looks like she is staying with you for good why not get her a dog? She could really benefit from that emotionally and physically.
2007-01-26 22:57:19 · answer #5 · answered by mixie 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋