From Thomas, Child's Age 12 - 08/13/23 - IP#: 194.51.251.xxx Click here to reply
Hello. Is anybody still active on here? How are you and your family doing?
Reply from Cathy, Child's Age 16 - 11/21/23 - IP#: 174.235.211.xxx Hi Eric! We are a "big" family and Hannah has followed in our footsteps. We have tried many times for mysf and Hannah to eat better, but that typically lasts only a few days. So here we are about to start the Holiday season. Will think about starting eating better in January.
Reply from Eric, Child's Age 14 - 09/27/23 - IP#: 78.156.5.xxx Hello Cathy! Yeah, seems we are quite a few here. What are your family's issues?
Reply from Cathy, Child's Age 16 - 09/25/23 - IP#: 173.27.192.xxx Hi...good to see others on here. Seems we all are having the same issues.
Reply from Eric, Child's Age 14 - 09/09/23 - IP#: 78.156.5.xxx Those are all delicious! My sons both love cooking and baking, they often bake pastries, cakes, honey buns and such. I cook dinners with lots of fresh vegetables, but also often things like nachos, pizza, fried chicken, pasta, lasagna and so on. We all have a weakness for Italian!
Reply from Thomas, Child's Age 12 - 09/05/23 - IP#: 87.177.5.xxx Hi James. I cook all kinds of things. Homemade buffalo wings, burgers, mac 'n cheese and the like. Sometimes I think I cook too much for the two of us, but Benjamin usually eats all the leftovers
Reply from Eric, Child's Age 14 - 09/03/23 - IP#: 46.9.172.xxx I would like to avoid them getting bigger, but none of us have any mobility issues. We are active enough for that to be fine. I would guess those who are very sedentary can struggle more.
Reply from Eric, Child's Age 14 - 09/02/23 - IP#: 78.156.5.xxx Not really, most everyday walking is to and from the school bus and when joining me for shopping. If any of them are seeing friends or such, I drive and pick up. So not really a problem in everyday life, no.
Reply from James, Child's Age 15 - 09/01/23 - IP#: 193.187.128.xxx Da they have to walk long distances very often? That would be hard. Lack of breath, sweatting. No fun. Lol makes him wish he didn't have to walk I bet
Reply from Eric, Child's Age 14 - 09/02/23 - IP#: 78.156.5.xxx Yeah, same here, but it kinda applies to all of us with not having much stamina. It comes with a larger body. Clothes has never been a problem, but of course especially the 14 year old does not enjoy walking really long distances.
Reply from James, Child's Age 15 - 09/01/23 - IP#: 193.187.128.xxx Other than getting out of breath rather quickly no, he doesn't have those issues right now. I could see though, with his love of eating, how one day it could be an issue. I'd be curious if anyone on here have dealt with those issues though.
Reply from Eric, Child's Age 14 - 09/02/23 - IP#: 78.156.5.xxx Ah, I see. But he does not have any of those problems now, I guess? Are you bigger yourself?
Reply from James, Child's Age 15 - 09/01/23 - IP#: 193.187.128.xxx By actual problem I mean has trouble walking or I can't find clothes to fit him. I've already had to upsize his clothes over the summer.
Reply from Eric, Child's Age 14 - 09/02/23 - IP#: 78.156.5.xxx I don't set any limit - whatever we have available here is free to have if they want, no matter if a snack, soda, chocolate milk or leftovers, and they do drink a lot of soda. What do you mean with "actual problem" with weight?
Reply from James, Child's Age 15 - 09/01/23 - IP#: 193.187.128.xxx Are there any limits you have had to set? I know mine would guzzle soda all day long if he didn't have a limit. I struggle to decide when his weight has become an actual problem, you know?
Reply from Eric, Child's Age 14 - 09/02/23 - IP#: 78.156.5.xxx Probably won't be much of a problem? I set a bad example myself being over 400 lbs. I have decided not to try to have too much rules and limits on the eating, though. I don't want to make them feel guilty for being in a bigger body.
Reply from James, Child's Age 15 - 09/01/23 - IP#: 193.187.128.xxx Maybe when he sees his clothing sizes go up, and stamina get lower it might be a shock to his system. Probably not a good idea, him ending up unable to really walk or move around much would be really scary. He seems to put on the weight steadily even though i am trying to limit his portions and such. Maybe making him get a job could help.
Reply from Eric, Child's Age 14 - 09/02/23 - IP#: 78.156.5.xxx How do you think it is supposed to affect him except maybe getting a bit bigger? That should not be much different or problematic.
Reply from James, Child's Age 15 - 09/01/23 - IP#: 91.214.67.xxx Hi everyone. Thomas, what kind of things do you cook? Sometimes i wonder if it would be easier to let my son see how much the food affects him by just letting him eat all he wants for a while with no control or anything, then stepping in and and explaining to him how the excessive eating is affecting him. Any thoughts?
Reply from Thomas, Child's Age 12 - 08/30/23 - IP#: 87.177.5.xxx I usually try to cook fresh. But sometimes when we are out and about, Benjamin gets hungry and we stop at McD's or the like. He usually orders two burgers, fries and a milkshake or ice cream. This happens like 4 or so times a week
Reply from Eric, Child's Age 14 - 08/24/23 - IP#: 78.156.5.xxx Varies a little bit, usually a standard meal. Sometimes an extra fries or other side, extra burger and/or a milkshake or ice cream in addition. I let them get whatever they want. Yours?
Reply from Jesse, Child's Age 14 - 08/24/23 - IP#: 174.202.0.xxx Just wondering, Eric, when you stop for fast food, how much do your boys order?
Reply from Eric, Child's Age 14 - 08/24/23 - IP#: 78.156.5.xxx We have the exact same approach, then. Today I went to stock up on snacks and drinks for the weekend and next week, the boys came with me and we did Burger King on the way home.
Reply from Jesse, Child's Age 14 - 08/24/23 - IP#: 174.202.0.xxx Our situation is a little different in that I work from home (accountant). As long as I get the work done, I have no fixed hours. So fast food is a treat rather than a regular meal. When I pick up either of the boys from school or a summer program (football practice for Lane, computer enrichment for Kevin), if they say they're hungry we'll stop at McD's or BK for a snack. So I think each of my boys has fast food 5 or so times a week. Me too, if the order something I have something too. Pizza is standard Saturday night supper for us
Reply from Chris, Child's Age 16 - 08/24/23 - IP#: 173.76.9.xxx I know what you mean, fast food in this house happens 3 times a week. It's hard to cook and work. Most of the times the boys eat before I get finished with work
Reply from Eric, Child's Age 14 - 08/24/23 - IP#: 78.156.5.xxx Agree with you! That said, I have to admit going out for fast food happens a couple times a week for us anyway. Me and yhe boys, and sometimes some of their friends if they have them over, or ordering pizza.
Reply from Jesse, Child's Age 14 - 08/24/23 - IP#: 174.202.0.xxx Same with us Eric. I think as long as kids have a healthy diet with vegetables and fruit, there's nothing wrong with occasional fast food, candy, and sweets.
Reply from Eric, Child's Age 14 - 08/24/23 - IP#: 46.15.19.xxx Good to hear! My boys are not picky eaters either, including vegetables. I try to include as much fruit and vegetables as I can in what we eat or snack on. We have in general more sandwiches as snacks than only sweets, but always have cookies, chocolate bars etc. available too.
Reply from Jesse, Child's Age 14 - 08/23/23 - IP#: 174.202.5.xxx Eric, Kevin has a healthy appetite and he eats everything, including vegetables. (I have friends whose kids are very picky eaters.) He does eat a lot but I figure that's a reaction to being deprived in the past.
Reply from Eric, Child's Age 14 - 08/23/23 - IP#: 78.156.5.xxx Glad to hear he is doing well. Hiding food in his room, wow, he must have had some rough experiences! Hope he has adjusted well on that part too and now has a more relaxed relationship to food.
Reply from Eric, Child's Age 14 - 08/23/23 - IP#: 78.156.5.xxx Wow, how good of you to take him in as a part of your family! What a child needs is love, care and stability, and it sounds like he is in the right spot now! Hope he has adjusted well so far to your family and his new life.
Reply from Jesse, Child's Age 14 - 08/23/23 - IP#: 174.202.0.xxx Christopher, Kevin was shy and quiet at first but after about 3 weeks he was fine. He had to get used to a new school, too. I work from home so I take him to and from school. At first he actually hid food in his room but when I found out I called the social worker and she was a big help.The only time he seems unhappy is when he has to see his mom, and then when she's a no show it makes it worse, Luckily that doesn't happen very often. He has chores to do which he always does and we got a dog from the Humane Society and it's Kevin's job to make sure Chico's needs are met. So far so good.
Reply from Christopher, Child's Age 16 - 08/23/23 - IP#: 173.76.9.xxx I'm so sorry to hear that Jesse. That poor kid. Amazing you were there for him. How has he been adjusting?
Reply from Jesse, Child's Age 14 - 08/23/23 - IP#: 174.202.0.xxx Thanks, Chris, but I was told it was either us or the foster care system, and we had the room. No one else in the family could take Kevin. His mom has mental health issues and is supposed to see Kevin 2x a month but she always is a no show which is hard on him.
Reply from Chris, Child's Age 16 - 08/23/23 - IP#: 173.76.9.xxx Jesse, I know you were responding to Eric but I had to say you are a great person. Give that boy a better life. I wouldn't restrict him either.
Reply from Jesse, Child's Age 14 - 08/23/23 - IP#: 174.202.0.xxx Eric, Kevin was thin when he moved in. He wore size 8 slim jeans (I had to buy because he only had 1 change of clothes). Now he wears 9 husky. He had been neglected by his mom (my dad and her dad were first cousins). The social worker told me he came to their attention because he was busted shoplifting food from a convenience store. So, I don't want to tell him no when he wants a snack Besides, we snack a lot anyway, mostly sandwiches and leftovers rather than chips.
Reply from Christopher, Child's Age 16 - 08/23/23 - IP#: 173.76.9.xxx Eric, Sounds exactly like my house. So for dinner we do alot of take out. Pizza is a staple
Reply from Christopher, Child's Age 16 - 08/23/23 - IP#: 173.76.9.xxx Jesse, Thats amazing you are taking on another kid. I'm sure your son is thrilled to have a brother. Too bad you didn't have any of lanes old clothes for him. That would have been convenient
Reply from Eric, Child's Age 14 - 08/23/23 - IP#: 78.156.5.xxx Jesse, happy to hear Lane has company! Was he skinny when he moved in, or already a bit chubby?
Reply from Eric, Child's Age 14 - 08/23/23 - IP#: 78.156.5.xxx Same here as well with snacks. At least a gallon of chocolate milk a day (I drink it too), some soda, peanut butter, fresh fruit, dried fruits, yoghurt, chocolate bars, ice cream, muffins, cookies. Of course not all of this every day, but always in stock and freely accessible. What do you guys usually have for dinner?
Reply from Jesse, Child's Age 14 - 08/22/23 - IP#: 174.202.0.xxx It's the same way with my family. We go shopping at Costco and Walmart and buy in bulk. We go through a 128 oz tub of peanut butter in less than a week and a gallon of milk a day. I don't think I mentioned that I'm legal guardian now for my cousin's son Kevin. He came to us through Social Services for two weeks in March and it turns out I'm now his legal guardian (long story). It's good for Lane to have a kid brother. Kevin is 8 and he's put on 30 pounds from eating like Lane and me Big meals and always snacking.. I just had to buy husky size clothes for school he's filling out so much
Reply from Christopher, Child's Age 16 - 08/22/23 - IP#: 173.76.9.xxx Joe, I know exactly what you mean. Snacks are a major contributor to weight in my house. I buy in bulk we go through so quickly
Reply from Christopher, Child's Age 16 - 08/22/23 - IP#: 173.76.9.xxx Hi Thomas, The oldest is 5'7" and the other is 5'2".
Reply from Joe, Child's Age 12 - 08/22/23 - IP#: 188.241.144.xxx Snacks are definitely our biggest problem. I don't even want to think about how many calories we are consuming every day from snacks alone. It's got to be several thousand. I've tried buying healthier snacks but they taste disgusting. There's something so delicious about HFCS that make you overeat them. Soda too. We will go through 2 full 12 packs a day between 3 of us.
Reply from Thomas, Child's Age 12 - 08/22/23 - IP#: 80.153.206.xxx Hi Christopher! Just out of curiosity, how tall are your boys?
Reply from Thomas, Child's Age 12 - 08/22/23 - IP#: 80.153.206.xxx I try to limit snacking a bit, but in the end we snack a lot. Benjamin usually arrives an hour or two after dinner and asks for a snack. I just can't say no when he's hungry. So all in all, we eat a lot of snacks between meals. How about you?
Reply from Jen, Child's Age 13 - 08/21/23 - IP#: 169.197.141.xxx oh so many with the same problems. it seems to be a pandemic
Reply from Christopher, Child's Age 16 - 08/20/23 - IP#: 173.76.9.xxx Yes still active. Check periodically for advice. I have two sons. Nick (16 years old, 360lbs and Toby (14 years old, 350 lbs). I too am obese (450 lbs)
Reply from Eric, Child's Age 14 - 08/20/23 - IP#: 89.8.132.xxx I have been big all my life, and same with both boys. They have been quite overweight since before school age, and their weight has been sometimes just following their height, other times they have gotten wider too. The last two years we have all been less active, and it made us all a bit bigger. Both boys are happy and healthy, and then I really don't want to disturb that. How are your snacking habits? Do you have snacks around all the time, or just in the weekends?
Reply from Joe, Child's Age 12 - 08/19/23 - IP#: 91.196.223.xxx My weight has been going up slowly for years. They are both going up quite quickly, my youngest a lot faster than his brother. Over this last year the gap between them in weight has disappeared even as they both grew larger. My oldest got taller, my youngest just grew wider.
Reply from Thomas, Child's Age 12 - 08/19/23 - IP#: 109.43.242.xxx Jesse, it’s nice that Lane is taking care of the neighborhood and is active at the same time. Hello Joe! It’s good to hear that we are not alone. This is the right place for your worries. Welcome! Benjamin will happily be shirtless too. There are no mean comments from his friends. It’s really a different world. Hello Tom! That’s big, but as long as they are happy everything is fine. It looks like we all really love and appreciate food and cooking. Therefore it’s hard for me at least to cut back on all my eating habits. Benjamin copies my eating habits. Because of this I gain weight all the time, and he does too. I am 5’10 and weigh around 260 lbs. But we’re are happy, healthy and doing well. Do you and your boys gain weight or is your weight stable? I hope the formatting will be accurate.
Reply from Joe, Child's Age 12 - 08/19/23 - IP#: 91.196.223.xxx They've never complained about their weight and they don't seem shy about it like I was. I remember growing up trying to hide my moobs and gut and they will happily be shirtless with friends and not care. It's a different world I guess.
Reply from Tom, Age 14 - 08/19/23 - IP#: 77.111.246.xxx it's the same with us. my two boys, who are 9 and 14 years old, have not only adopted my eating habits, some of them want to eat even larger portions than me. The youngest has already 215 lbs, the other has even overtaken me with his 390 lbs (360 lbs). I'm not only worried about the weight but also about the future of the two.
Reply from Eric, Child's Age 14 - 08/19/23 - IP#: 46.15.204.xxx Ah, then our 10 year olds are around the same height and weight! Are they happy with how they are?
Reply from Joe, Child's Age 12 - 08/18/23 - IP#: 91.196.223.xxx The 12 year old is 4'11 and 200 lbs and the 10 hear old is 4'6 and 205 lbs. I'm 5'5 and 420 so I don't expect a lot of growth is on the way for either of them.
Reply from Eric, Child's Age 14 - 08/19/23 - IP#: 46.15.204.xxx Yeah, in that situation it is of course easy to gain weight. At times same here. Just out of curiousity, how tall are they and what is their weight?
Reply from Joe, Child's Age 12 - 08/18/23 - IP#: 91.196.223.xxx Very sedentary. We are like a family of beached whales. They spend almost all the time in their room on some kind of video game or tv or website.
Reply from Eric, Child's Age 14 - 08/19/23 - IP#: 46.15.206.xxx Welcome here! We are in pretty much the same situation here - I love to cook and bake, the boys too, and we all love to eat! I would say it is a very important thing to do together. You and I weigh around the same. Are your kids active or more sedentary?
Reply from Joe, Child's Age 12 - 08/18/23 - IP#: 91.196.223.xxx Hi, new here. I've got two boys 12 and 10. Both obese. I'm more worried about my youngest as he weighs a few lbs more than his brother while being a lot shorter. I am obese myself at around 420 lbs. I've got a pretty bad sweet tooth and so do they. Doughnuts, cakes, biscuits, pies, tarts. They love to eat them and I love to bake them. Ice cream is also a big weakness. Not sure if I should have replied here or started a new thread.
Reply from Eric, Child's Age 14 - 08/17/23 - IP#: 78.156.5.xxx Sounds like we are in the same situation, all of us. My boys are average height - the 10 year old is 4'6 and the 14 year old is 5'5. I am 6'2 and weigh around 400 lbs, so I am not a "good" example myself, but enjoying good food, snacks, home cooking and eating out is an important part of our life. The boys are happy, doing well, healthy and all good, and then I really don't worry about weight.
Reply from Jesse, Child's Age 14 - 08/16/23 - IP#: 174.202.3.xxx Lane is active. He takes care of a couple yards in our neighborhood and the neighbors tell me he's a hard worker. He wanted to go out for football but I told him no because of the danger of concussions, so he's a manager for the team. Funny, like both of you and your boys we like to cook, too. Lane likes to bake and says he wants to be a professional chef. I weigh 410 right now. I know Lane copies my eating habits but it's hard to cut back.
Reply from Thomas, Child's Age 12 - 08/16/23 - IP#: 46.114.166.xxx As long as they are happy, everything is fine. Benjamin had played field hockey before the pandemic and was thus physically active. Unfortunately, during the lockdown he couldn't play field hockey and hasn't started again afterwards. He is now very lazy. But I also try to be a bit active with him. Going to the park or something. But that works rather bad than good. Sometimes we cook together and it’s always a lot of food for us two. But it becomes more and more fast food and takeouts. We really like that. We also appreciate good food. Of course, this is not good for his and my waistline. He looks a little bit bigger again. But he seems happy and has a lot of friends at school, too. So I don’t stress him about that. How tall are your sons?
Reply from Eric, Child's Age 14 - 08/16/23 - IP#: 78.156.5.xxx Still here, and all good! The boys are 10 and 14, and me too stopped trying to control the eating. I am not a good example weightwise myself either, Good food is very important to us all. The 10 year old currently weighs around 160-170 lbs while the oldest who just turned 14 is around 350 lbs. They are both doing very well despite being big. We try to do some physical activity as well, at least a few walks a week. I don't want to control their eating, but how is your kids' eating habits and activity level?
Reply from Thomas, Child's Age 12 - 08/15/23 - IP#: 89.204.155.xxx That’s great. We’re doing fine at the moment. I’m a single dad with one son too. I’m sorry for the loss of your other son. The pandemic hit us pretty hard in terms of weight. My son and I gained a lot of weight during that time. I think to cope with the situation. My son Benjamin is twelve. He is 5'4" and weighs 230lbs. He’s happy and I don’t really control what he eats either. I tried so many times and it always ends in a big fight.
Reply from Jesse, Child's Age 14 - 08/14/23 - IP#: 174.202.2.xxx We're doing fine. My son Lane is starting 10th grade. He's 5'9" and weighs 380. I know it's a lot but I've given up trying to control what he eats. Better to have a good relationship with him than fights over food. I've let myself go too which he reminds me of. How about your family, Thomas?
