From Rachel, Child's Age 11 - 08/18/13 - IP#: 108.240.57.xxx Click here to reply
Feeling overwhelmed with guilt. My child is 11 and weighs 240lbs. I have fought with my husband for years to help me keep his weight under control, but he still overfed him behind my back. My in-laws are all overweight and have complications because of it. My husband has become diabetic and takes blood pressure meds. I am overweight myself and have failed to control my own weight. Just feel defeated most of the time. I take my son to work out but he battles me and sneaks food. I am at my wits end. He has no motivation and he is a mirror image of his father;eats too much, too often, only wants to watch movies and play video games. I am the only person in my sons life that tries to make a change. What do you do when there are no strong male role models or any positive role models in your child' life? Sorry if I come off aggravated :-( I am....
Reply from Mario, Child's Age 13 - 08/23/13 - IP#: 204.63.137.xxx Could you try consulting your son's school counselor? Some schools have physical education programs designed to get kids active. Please don't try to pressure your son---at his age (and throughout his teens), pressure from you will only backfire. Boys his age and older want to feel in control (evenm though as parents we know they can't be). Go walking yourself and ask your son to accompany you because you want company or "protection", and keep off the subject of weight. Boys his age are hyper-sensitive, especially about their weight. Good luck!
Reply from kay, Age 13 - 08/18/13 - IP#: 99.170.110.xxx First off, you should try to lose weight with him since it will benefit both you and your son. Second, the fact that both you AND his father are overweight adds a lot to the problem. It is really hard to be motivated when both your parents don't try to be healthy. I know that from experience.
Reply from Kate, Age 19 - 08/18/13 - IP#: 24.16.62.xxx Dear Rachel, speaking as an overweight girl who is trying to lose weight. Please try to understand that until your child feels ready to make a change, they are going to see your attempts at changing him as threat. I would suggest two things, either go to a physician and talk to them first, and then bring your child to them and have a sit down about the issues, maybe your child will hear you if they hear it from somebody elses mouth that they need to lose weight. Be assertive, but not pushy, it's a fine line. Another way is to just sit down with him at home and talk. Also, include his dad in the conversation, try to make a list of arguments for the change. Keep trying. This is coming from a child who saw her mom's attempts to help, as an invasion of her privacy for a long time
