What do you think of the parent who may lose custody of her child because child is overweight?

Question

on yahoo news- london. whats your opinion on this?

Answer 1

I don't think he should be taken away. He should be placed into a weight control management facility, and placed on a diet, so that he can lose the weight. His mother can visit him, and he can get better. I think taking him from her would be a bad idea and make the situation worse.

Answer 2

I think that maybe it would be best for the child to be removed because she is neglecting his health no matter what. It's not necessary all about the weight but the child's health is at risk. If the weight problem is caused by a medical illness then she should of taken the child to the doctors and have him tested for any underlying disorders. Then she should of put him on a diet and remove any unhealthy foods. Old saying goes "Out of sight, out of mind". Any family that prepares healthy meals together will end up eating healthy together. She never taught her child a balance diet. A parent should has to set limits and boundries for their child or the child will never learn. The child doesn't understand the effects it can have on him later in life and it's the parents responsiblity to guide the child into the right direction in life.

Answer 3

I've heard about it but haven't really read in depth about it. But just for the tiny bit I've heard I have mixed feelings. If she's just being careless and giving in to the child whenever it screams for food and not trying to help the problem then yes the child needs to go somewhere with set boundaries and that can help the problem. She needs to suck it up and say no when they beg for too much food. If the kid is stealing the food then I would get a lock or something for the cabinets so I could only get into it since it's THAT big of a problem. I don't know their situation so I don't know how hard the mother is trying. I just know what I would do to fix the situation but then again I would never let it get that bad.

Answer 4

I think this boy should have been taken out of his home a long time ago. While society shouldn't be obsessed with weight we should take notice when our children get large. I feel so bad for the child because he probably doesn't even understand how he got this way. The mother says he would sneak snacks--well, she should have gotten those snacks out of the fridge. As parents we aren't there to be our child's friend. We need to be a guiding force and an example that means NO one in the house should have had sweets. I hope this boy gets the help he needs and someday returned to his mother.

Answer 5

I wish I had more information. She said the child was stealing food and sneaking it into his room at night. It sounds like some psychiatric intervention might be necessary. Obviously, she's dropped the ball at least a little, but without more information I wouldn't make the call that the child should be removed from her custody.

Answer 6

At the end of the day, what's best for that child? What kind of life will he have at 13? 15? 18? 25? That is of course if he lives past his teenage years.
At 8 years old his parents are totally responsible for his health & for his diet. I don't understand how you could let your 8 year old become 218 pounds. Its despicable. When he passed 100 pounds they should have worried. At 150 it should have been dietician time. But at 218? How come the doctors or social services haven't done anything?
As heart-breaking as it is for the mother, that boy needs help before he dies.

Answer 7

I think she should have lost custody long ago. She is the parent, which makes her in charge of everything that enters her childs body, so it is her fault.

I feel so bad for the poor boy. He must live with teasing everyday, not to mention his poor health.

Answer 8

I do think it is partly the mothers fault because she doesn't have to buy junk foods or prepare unhealthy fried foods and take-out BUT I also think there is an underling problem that the child needs psychiatric help.
this child is not going into foster care he is going into the hospital to receive around the clock care, exercise and healthy eating routine.

Answer 9

Depends, is she feeding the child just to keep him occupied, or is he have a disorder, I would go to the doctor's first to protect yourself to say, that you are trying to receive help, I have a 11yr old cousin who is 220Ib taller but big and they don't feed him that much just when he does eat he doesn't know when to quit. It's nobody's fault but I would definetly look into healthy diets, and whats best for the child.

Answer 10

I agree she should lose custody. Health issues, psychological damage from all the teasing at school, what a mess.