From Holly, Child's Age 4 - 10/24/05 - IP#: 205.188.116.xxx Click here to reply
Hi. My son just turned 4 and he weighs approx 70-75 pounds. He is very happy and doesn't realize how much bigger he is than kids his own age. I know my son's weight is out of control and I know that it is my fault that he learned such bad eating habits. I decided in mid-June to try to lose weight myself hoping that getting rid of the junk and eating healthier would eventually get my son on the right track. I have lost 80 pounds so far and have about 30 more to go. But there has been no impact on my son. I tried feeding him what I was eating but he would not even try fruits or veggies. So I would eventually have to make him something else that he would eat, which I know I should not give in and do but he would cry for hours. This is so hard and I feel so bad because I know he got the bad eating habits from me but now that I'm trying to do something about it he won't even try the healthier foods. I eventually end up feeling bad that he won't eat the better food that I give in and give his something usually bad that I know he'll eat. And to make matters worse, last weekend my in-laws came up to visit and made me feel bad for losing weight and not helping my son to lose weight. I explained that he was my whole reason for trying to lose weight but they think I'm giving in too easily. My son also has autism which they don't understand very much about. He is 4 but has the developmental level of about a 2 year old, so many times he doesn't understand what you are telling him. This also adds to my food problems with him because I know he doesn't understand why I am not giving him food every time he wants it. If anyone else has a young child in a similar situation I would like to know how you are dealing with things. Also if anyone can tell me wear they buy their overweight kids clothes especially pants? Everything that is the right length for him is too small in the waist. Thanks.
Reply from Miranda, Child's Age 12 - 12/29/06 - IP#: 209.89.134.xxx You can't force your Child to exersize or do anything they don't want to. You can limit time spent on the computer or watching TV. Try and find some cool music your kids like and ask them to do an aerobic workout with the music on. Try and eat healthy foods most of the time and don't eat fast food if you can avoid it. also try to talk to your child and make them aware that there are health risks associated with being over weight. Hope this helps!
Reply from Lauren, Child's Age 13 - 01/29/06 - IP#: 65.8.112.xxx Ok well my childs 13 and shes only 10 pounds more than your 4 year old and in the healthy range!!! This is unbeleievable!!
Reply from olivia, Child's Age 9 - 10/26/05 - IP#: 68.254.120.xxx Have his blood lead level checked. Talk with his doctor about dietary interventions - gluten and milk can send a child with autism off the charts. THe Autism Socvieyt of America and the National Institute of Mendal Health have a lot of ideas. You mentioned your son is 4, in the U.S. most children diagnosed with autism are generally attending some sort of school beginning at the age of 3 with an IEP - Individual Educational Plan - the more he's out with people maybe the less likely he'll desire to eat. FWIW - YMMMV.
Reply from olivia, Child's Age 9 - 10/24/05 - IP#: 68.254.120.xxx Find an autism support group. I believe there is a national autism group called A.N.S.W.E.R.S - forget exactly what the anacronym stands for. If he has the emotional development of a 2-year-old, it is wrong for your parents to come down on him that hard. Seek out the help of a pediatric nutritionist - most hospitals have them on board. Also try Easter Seals - I know locally they have a program for autistic children. Kudos to you for losing the weight!
