From Lisa, Child's Age 13 - 03/31/11 - IP#: 68.198.96.xxx Click here to reply
My child is overweight, but I do not think she is comfortable about talking about it with me. Whenever I ask her to read a pamphlet or article on weight loss she just says no and rolls her eyes. I really do not know how to communicate with my daughter about this! Please help!
Reply from Ellen, Age 12 - 04/18/11 - IP#: 2.25.79.xxx That is the same thing I would do.She probably knws she is overweight. Make becoming healthier a family thing, not just singling her out. what does she weigh? have her go on the teens board or put a slip though the letterbox advertising this site.
Reply from Ashlie - 04/08/11 - IP#: 71.94.247.xxx Many kids who are overweight, usually already know it, especially when they sense that their parents are concerned. It is common for overweight kids to be embarrassed talking about their situation with doctors, parents, and even friends. Overeating, even in children, can often be their way of dealing with unpleasant emotions that they are feeling: boredom, anxiety, depression, loneliness, stress, frustration, sadness. Unfortunately, they usually eat high calorie junk foods and the result is weight gain. More than anything, children usually need someone to listen to them about problems they are facing during their pre-teen and teen years. They need help finding alternative methods to cope. Handing a child pamphlets or articles on weight loss doesn't address the root cause of the overeating problem. The child may not feel like the parent wants to listen to the struggles they are facing if they are only given reading material. There is a tip for children talking to parents when they want to lose weight. In addition to having someone listen to their problems, parents can also help by removing addictive foods from the household, and joining their child in activities that promote weight loss: healthy eating and activities that involve some form of exercise. I hope this helps!
