From Delia, Child's Age 13 - 07/06/05 - IP#: 24.236.233.xxx Click here to reply
Hello everyone, I'm new to this site and I suppose that most everybody here has the same kind of problem that I do. My 13 year old son is about 20-30 lbs overweight. It doesn't help that he's short, either. Anyway, it breaks my heart because he's very self conscious about it. I've tried to help him, but nothing seems to work. We went to Weight Watchers, which sucked because there aren't any CHILDRENS WW in our area, so we had to go to an adult one. This was totally boring for him. So boring, in fact, that he lost interest. He was pretty good about sticking to the program, but being that he's 13 and spends a lot of time at other peoples houses and stuff like that, I can't keep track of everything he's eating. The other thing is -- he's growing. I turned around the other day and realized that he's now taller than me, so naturally, that would affect the scale. I think our biggest problem is that he has absolutely no interest in sports of any kind. The only thing he likes that remotely resembles activity is Scottish dance. Unfortunately, this is only a once a week class. It's hard to even get him to go on a walk with me and the dogs...it's like pulling teeth. He seems to want nothing more than to sit in his room and play his guitar, flute, and piano. This is great, but it's not exercise. Now, his weight is getting him depressed and he socializes less and less, and the depression is making him eat more. I'm in tears over this and I feel totally helpless because he's such a sweet, wonderful kid. Any tips from anyone would be appreciated. Thanks.
Reply from Anna, Child's Age 14 - 08/03/05 - IP#: 68.6.184.xxx Your son is 13, which has to be one of the most akward ages. It's normal for him to be insecure and shy at this age, so I wouldn't worry too much. Just try to be there for him and tell him all his positive sides. He is also, as you said, growing, so if you can keep him from gaining weight over the next year or so, he'll grow into it. I think you should also encourage him in his music, if that is what gets him interested. Not everyone is born to be an athlete. I do, however, think that getting him to walk the dogs with you is a very good idea. Best of luck!
Reply from matte, Child's Age 8 - 07/18/05 - IP#: 81.216.217.xxx It seems like his 20-30 pounds of overweight is more a soocial than a medical problem. Maybe you should try to focus on something else, music for example, and help him get better in this area instead of emphasising that he must do some sport. Music can be a great way to win friends and self esteem regardless of your weight
Reply from Kelsee, Child's Age 14 - 07/07/05 - IP#: 68.0.210.xxx if he got taller without gaining weight, he is probably less overweight then he was before. this same thing happened to me. try to get your son into a sport. there are so many options, hes bound to find something. although you cant control what he eats at other houses, you can control what he eats at home. make healthier dinners, etc. he may even be encouraged enough to eat healthy ate other places
