Is your child fat?

Question

What have you tried to get him or her to lose weight? And what has been the hardest part?

I don't know why everyone is assuming I have a fat child. I don't even have kids!

You are all idiots. I'm not looking for theoretical answers (the eat better, walk after dinner crap). I'm looking to hear from people who've really dealt with an overweight child.

Answer 1

I was a pretty chunky kid growing up, and I got to say, to me it seems like the hardest part is getting the kids to acknowledge that obesity is a problem. That normally happens in junior high and highschool when sexual tension gets thrown in the mix. Weight and self-image isn't as pressing an issue when you're young. I dropped fifty pounds half-way through highschool because I finally realized that the saying "girls just want a guy who can make them laugh" was complete BS ;)

Once that happens, the second hardest part comes along. The kids need the right kind of support systems to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This doesn't mean parents should lock all junk food away, or whack them when they reach for a cookie, or enroll them in sports they don't like to begin with. Negative reinforcement will only build resentment for whatever the parents are trying to enforce.

Instead, parents need to help build that healthy lifestyle custom for their child so they don't abandon it early on. Take note of what sort of physical activity the children like, what healthy foods or fruits they like just as much as chocolate, and make these things a regular part of their life through encouragement.

But, most importantly, parents need to practice self-control themselves! That way their kids will know it's not acceptable to have two more cookies or another slice of cake. If they see it happening, they'll think that's proper, and they'll follow suit. Kids emulate their parents way more than most of us think.

Answer 2

Usually, overweight children start with the parents; in order to help children lose weight, the entire family has to make-over their lifestyles. Cutting out junk food and limiting takeout/restaurant fare is a big step. You have to completely empty your cupboards of junk; no chips, no cookies, no candy, nothing. If that's too horrible for you, place the 'guilty pleasures' in a high, difficult-to-reach place with a door; out of sight, out of mind and you'd be surprised how quickly you stop reaching for it. Start using a lot of 'ingredients'; when you make stuff from scratch, you can better manage your dietary content, and using fresh ingredients makes for better health all around.

Make evening walks a priority; try doing it before you start preparing dinner at least 3 times a week. Call it 'family time' and use the time to get to know your kids, then have them help you with dinner prep. Once you start going outside, you'll want to get out more and more. Start 'exploring' various parts of your neighborhood and/or city by walking and take the time to appreciate your surroundings.

Limit tv watching; instead of having it on for noise, turn on the radio and dance. Better yet, get rid of the television entirely; that's what my parents did and my siblings and I all had college-level reading and comprehension levels by the age of 12. Encourage WALKING to the library to check out books; it makes conversations more interesting when you have something more to talk about besides what happened on 'Survivor' last night.

A question: if you don't have kids, why are you asking this question? You're asking us to assume that you DO have kids and that those kids ARE overweight, then you get all up in arms because we make that assumption. On top of that, you're asking parents to admit they've made mistakes in raising their kids and THEN expecting them to be forthcoming with solutions to your hypothetical childrens' obesity.

Also, practical solutions are NOT theory. Getting out and exercising and learning to eat responsibly are all parts of losing weight. Don't like the answers? Take off the damned question!

Answer 3

This will be very difficult, but try not to say anything to your child about it. Slowly wean him/her off junk food and try to get him/her to eat more fiber in fresh fruit, grains, and vegetables. Also, never ever talk about a diet! Just try to make changes. Also, try to get the whole family exercising - ride bikes together, walk to the park, library, etc. I pray you will have success, as it is so hard to be overweight in this society. But really, really try not to make him or her feel badly about their weight.

You are incredibly rude! Why do you ask a question and then berate people for sincerely trying to help you? Maybe you are the idiot!

Answer 4

No, he's 8 years old and 60 lbs. I would suggest lots of exercise, limit the TV and video game time, and cut down portion sizes. Don't take away all of their favorite foods - it will become a power struggle.

Answer 5

No mine isnt but talk yto the doc. Cut out fast food or junk. Eat healthier. It will begin to show a diff

Answer 6

My kids are normal. We don't have video games, and we limit TV. The kids are forced to come up with other ways to entertain themselves, like being outside.

Answer 7

No my children are not fat.

Answer 8

sorry my child is perfect