From Vicky, Child's Age 10 - 07/07/02 - IP#: 66.157.36.xxx  Click here to reply  
Hi, My son is an only child. He is 10 and 1/2 years old. He is 5'2" and weighs 148 pounds. He should weigh at least 33 pounds less. He is bored and lonely being an only child. I think he eats out of boredom. If any of you out there have a son who is also overweight, I would love for them to become internet buddies and try losing weight together. I think he would like that because he gets frustrated at me for talking about losing weight. I love him dearly but I don't want him to be ridiculed at school. I am scared for his health also. Please fell free to respond. Thank you........
Reply from Terri, Child's Age 11 - 08/22/02  - IP#: 24.214.192.xxx
Hi Vicky,
I had a son that was overweight. He was 5 foot tall and 129 lbs. He lost 20 pounds but he would not have done it if I deprived him of snacks and forbade tv. We got healthy snacks like fruit snacks, fat free pringles, granola bars, trail mix bars, fat free pudding and lite cool whip, snackwell cookies, low fat ice cream and when I bought big bag of chips or big bag of cookies I immediately got out the sandwich bags and divided it up into small portions. I do Weight Watchers myself ( currently at goal) and I knew how many points each sandwich bag had. Any snack he had he was only allowed 3 points worth but the important thing was is that he was not deprived. As far as exercise instead of saying "No TV" we turned it off and we went out as a family and exercised. We rode bikes, took the dog for a long walk, played basketball etc... He had fun and loved doing it with everyone. At meals everyone had 1 plate ( no seconds) not just him. His brother, sister and my husband needed to eat healthier even though they are thin so there was not much difference in what my son was doing and what the rest of the family was doing. My other son might have gotten 2 sandwich bags at snack time but it was not obvious to my 11 yr. old. When it looks singled out and 1 person gets deprivation it just won't work. When it isn't fun it will fail. We don't turn the TV on until I feel we all got adequate exercise and then he can watch and there is no guilt at all. This was over a year ago and he hasn't gained it back. We still do what I mentioned above. I know when I am told to do things that are restrictive and see others doing other things I will rebel. It worked for us and not 1 time did he want to quit because he still enjoyed the food and activity.
Good luck!!!!!!!!!
 
Reply from Allisoyn, Child's Age 7 - 07/28/02  - IP#: 152.163.213.xxx
two of 4 are overweight
 
Reply from Vicky, Child's Age 10 - 07/26/02  - IP#: 66.157.39.xxx
Hi Allisoyn, That is easier said than done. Do you have an overweight only child???
 
Reply from Allisoyn, Child's Age 2 - 07/26/02  - IP#: 152.163.188.xxx
just watch what he eats, get him to exersize and take him to the doctor every year, Bye and GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!