How to help my 8yr old lose weight?!
Question: How to help my 8yr old lose weight!?
My 8yr old daughter is overweight!. She is quite tall for her age & my side of the family have always had weight problems (altho I dont anymore) but she definitely is overweight & comments have been made by classmates!. (not balloon like, just a big belly & bum!)
Because I remember the bullying at school, i really dont want her to go thru what i did!.
I try to keep very positive with her, her eating habits are very good, she doesnt really eat sweets etc, we have a fairly healthy diet in the family home & we dont eat red meat!.
Chips/fries are treats only & I try to make food fresh & not pre packaged!. So i can confidently say its not her food intake that the problem is!.
She does lack confidence with physical activities, so I have got her walking on my treadmill every day after school for 15-20mins!. She doesnt want to join any clubs (due to lack of confidence in this kind of activity) but we arent seeing much in the way of results!.
I am involving her in my own diet (so i look my best for my wedding) of reducing obvious carbs (potato, pasta, rice,bread) but not calling it a diet!. She keeps a mental note of her 5 a day fruit & veg (this is something the school has been doing in the curriculm) I also make up her packed lunches for school!. one sandwich of cold meat or tuna, 2 pieces of fruit (one for break-time) one fruit based sweet or small fromage frais & a litre of water (she hates fizzy juice & loves water)
What can I do to help her lose some weight without destroying her self esteem!. (i have memories of my own mother telling me i looked like a tank!) She is very smart & pretty, but so lacks confidence in her body & she shouldnt at her age!. I really dont know where she got that from, because I have always told her how beautiful she is & been positive in her body image!.
Im only trying to help her now, because she has noticed it herself & classmates are ridiculing her!
Any ideas would be very welcome!.
cxWww@Answer-Health@Com
Because I remember the bullying at school, i really dont want her to go thru what i did!.
I try to keep very positive with her, her eating habits are very good, she doesnt really eat sweets etc, we have a fairly healthy diet in the family home & we dont eat red meat!.
Chips/fries are treats only & I try to make food fresh & not pre packaged!. So i can confidently say its not her food intake that the problem is!.
She does lack confidence with physical activities, so I have got her walking on my treadmill every day after school for 15-20mins!. She doesnt want to join any clubs (due to lack of confidence in this kind of activity) but we arent seeing much in the way of results!.
I am involving her in my own diet (so i look my best for my wedding) of reducing obvious carbs (potato, pasta, rice,bread) but not calling it a diet!. She keeps a mental note of her 5 a day fruit & veg (this is something the school has been doing in the curriculm) I also make up her packed lunches for school!. one sandwich of cold meat or tuna, 2 pieces of fruit (one for break-time) one fruit based sweet or small fromage frais & a litre of water (she hates fizzy juice & loves water)
What can I do to help her lose some weight without destroying her self esteem!. (i have memories of my own mother telling me i looked like a tank!) She is very smart & pretty, but so lacks confidence in her body & she shouldnt at her age!. I really dont know where she got that from, because I have always told her how beautiful she is & been positive in her body image!.
Im only trying to help her now, because she has noticed it herself & classmates are ridiculing her!
Any ideas would be very welcome!.
cxWww@Answer-Health@Com
Answers:
8 year olds are supposed to have baby fat!. If she was a skinny kid, the kids in her class would tease her for being a tall bean pole!. Kids tease - there's not a lot you'll be able to do about it!.
If she's a little bit physically awkward, try enrolling her in dance classes or some sort of kiddie soccer or softball teams!. It seems as though her physical discomfort is the real issue, not her weight!. Even if she doesn't want to, sign her up for stuff!. She's 8, you're the parent!. I played at least year of just about every sport and some of them I liked, and some of them I hated!. She won't know what she likes until she finds them in her comfort zone!.
Personally, it seems a bit much to have her on a treadmill!. If you want her to walk, take her for a walk to the park or play outside!. Even if you do it in the gentlest way possible, even implying that your child needs to lose weight to avoid teasing will lead to a life of trying to change herself to please her peers!.
It's so tough to know how to walk the line between giving kids a healthy body image and trying to avoid the childhood obesity epidemic!. It sounds like you're on the right track with nutrition, you may just have a daughter who's a little bigger!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
If she's a little bit physically awkward, try enrolling her in dance classes or some sort of kiddie soccer or softball teams!. It seems as though her physical discomfort is the real issue, not her weight!. Even if she doesn't want to, sign her up for stuff!. She's 8, you're the parent!. I played at least year of just about every sport and some of them I liked, and some of them I hated!. She won't know what she likes until she finds them in her comfort zone!.
Personally, it seems a bit much to have her on a treadmill!. If you want her to walk, take her for a walk to the park or play outside!. Even if you do it in the gentlest way possible, even implying that your child needs to lose weight to avoid teasing will lead to a life of trying to change herself to please her peers!.
It's so tough to know how to walk the line between giving kids a healthy body image and trying to avoid the childhood obesity epidemic!. It sounds like you're on the right track with nutrition, you may just have a daughter who's a little bigger!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Buy her a trampoline!. If it is big enough to include her friends, she will become very popular!. She will also have a lot of fun exercising and losing weight
You can get children's trampolines wirh safety netting and other safety features!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
You can get children's trampolines wirh safety netting and other safety features!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Shame on you for pushing your ideal body image on a child! So you want to continue the cycle of hurt by repeating what your mother did!?
You say she eats healthy, doesn't that indicate a medical problem!?Www@Answer-Health@Com
You say she eats healthy, doesn't that indicate a medical problem!?Www@Answer-Health@Com
Get her off the treadmill, get youself off the computer and bring her to the park, go for a bike ride, find a hiking trail!.!.!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Get her involved with other kids in the same boat, you can't make fun of some one for being overweight if they are too! They could lose it together and become great friendsWww@Answer-Health@Com
Dont just keep an eye on the food types but also the portions and how may times sh eats per day, maybe try and find out if she's getting more food from school you dont know about!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
maybe if you make excercise fun for her
like take her for a walk at the park and play chase or something or go for a bike rideWww@Answer-Health@Com
like take her for a walk at the park and play chase or something or go for a bike rideWww@Answer-Health@Com
depending on how much money your willing to spend but there is a great work out program called p90x my son did it and i found it pretty effectiveWww@Answer-Health@Com
um well i read something the YOGA is great and that it help mind, body and sprit i would try that out!Www@Answer-Health@Com
dont worry about it too much at her age kids are either super skinny or pudgyWww@Answer-Health@Com
try putting her in sports, a sport that someone she looks up to playsWww@Answer-Health@Com
Well, first of all bless you for trying to help her in a gentle way!. The worst thing to do would be "you're fat, eat better!" Kudos to you! I think you are on the right track actually!. Probably as she ages she will trim down!. Also, she may have to accept that her body is curvy and that will be beautiful when she is older!. Make sure her thyroid is functioning properly!. Also 15 to 20 minutes doesn't seem like enough time for exercising!.
Some children can be really rotten, can't they!? Your daughter probably doesn't need this lesson but just in case - this would be a great lesson on how not to treat people!.
Good luck to her!.!.!.and you! Congratulations on the upcoming wedding!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Some children can be really rotten, can't they!? Your daughter probably doesn't need this lesson but just in case - this would be a great lesson on how not to treat people!.
Good luck to her!.!.!.and you! Congratulations on the upcoming wedding!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Why don't you exercise with her at the weekend!?
It doesn't have to be running, or something a child would probably find tedious!.
When I was her age I really enjoyed swimming, and ice skating!.
These activities are seen as more fun, than exercise by children!.
And you being with her will increase her confidence about them!.
Also, how big are her portion sizes!?
This will have an effect on her weight!.
Try to make sure that they are right for her size, its easy to overfeed a child, I was, and its led to some problems!.
Finally just keep doing what your doing, and tell her how wonderful she is!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
It doesn't have to be running, or something a child would probably find tedious!.
When I was her age I really enjoyed swimming, and ice skating!.
These activities are seen as more fun, than exercise by children!.
And you being with her will increase her confidence about them!.
Also, how big are her portion sizes!?
This will have an effect on her weight!.
Try to make sure that they are right for her size, its easy to overfeed a child, I was, and its led to some problems!.
Finally just keep doing what your doing, and tell her how wonderful she is!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Having been overweight as a kid !.!.!. started around 8 yrs old!.!.!.!. and having my mom do it ALL the wrong way has led to years and years of issues relating food!. I'm 21 now and still yo yo dieting/gaining and losing the same 20 lbs, binge eat, and over exercise!. It's a vicious cycle that stems from my mom being NUTS!. It sounds like you have the right mindset and i commend you for being positive and understanding the sensitivity!. You should really sit your daughter down and not mention food/weight loss and ask her if she could do 1 activity like dance or acting or anything as an after school program what it would be!.!.!.!. even if its not in your schools programs, if you put time and thought into it, there are SO many fun options to get your kids involved with an activity!. Horse back riding!? I'm not sure your exact situation but if you motivate her to find an interest, you can incorporate physical activity into that!.!.!.!. also i know it sounds corny but have you looked into Wii!.!.!.!. they have tons of programs for fitness and keep your body going!. I would also suggest getting her a nutritionist - you dont want her to relate rules and restrictions regarding food with just you!.!.!.!. maybe having someone else implement a healthy routine would be better!.
The only other advice I have is !.!.!.!. swim team during the summers!.!.!.!. it WORKS! and getting her into some activity which incorporates some sort of physicality!. Keep positive and always be there for her, and remember not to let your issues with weight or anything be known to her!. shes 8!.!.!.!. for all you know she could be in a chubby stage and slim down naturally in a year or so!.
Good luck!Www@Answer-Health@Com
The only other advice I have is !.!.!.!. swim team during the summers!.!.!.!. it WORKS! and getting her into some activity which incorporates some sort of physicality!. Keep positive and always be there for her, and remember not to let your issues with weight or anything be known to her!. shes 8!.!.!.!. for all you know she could be in a chubby stage and slim down naturally in a year or so!.
Good luck!Www@Answer-Health@Com
my experienceWww@Answer-Health@Com
Is there a club the two of you could join together!? or maybe a physical activity you can do with her or a work out video!. Something that is fun!. Ride bikes, go for walks, go to a park or playground together!. the more she enjoys it the more motivated she will be to do it!. Plus having you with her might help her with her confidence issues!. Kids will be cruel, and she may grow out of it as she gets older!. Alot of kids are chubby!.
She may also be sneaking snacks outside of the home too!. Perhaps at school or a friends house!?
in the meantime just continue with the positive encouragement and try to be as involved as you can!. The more fun you help make it, and the less like a diet it seems, the more she might stick to it!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
She may also be sneaking snacks outside of the home too!. Perhaps at school or a friends house!?
in the meantime just continue with the positive encouragement and try to be as involved as you can!. The more fun you help make it, and the less like a diet it seems, the more she might stick to it!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
She's 8 yrs old! She's way too young to be on such a strict diet she needs to be a kid!.!.!. I'm not saying fill her up with chips and ice cream but if she's only a little pudgy chances are that she'll grow out of it!.!.!. and as far as the being made fun of at school is concerned!.!.!. ummm she's in elementary school it's going to happen whether she's fat, skinny, smart, ugly, pretty, bossy etc!.!.!. that's life!.!.!. and her lacking confidence should be a bigger concern for you!.!.!. an 8 year old should not have these issues she should be enjoying herself!.!.!. I agree with Paul take her off the treadmill and get her in the sun chances are she'll find friends along the way and not only jolt her confidence but learn to enjoy exercising and sports!.!.!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
A lot of children carry 'puppy fat' which goes away by itself when they get older!. But if it's more than that, and your little girl is definitely overweight, even though she eats healthily, then it has to be the lack of exercise!.
I know you want to help her, and I'm not criticising you, I promise!. But a treadmill is dreadfully boring for an 8 year old! Your daughter doesn't have to join a club to enjoy sports!. You can play with her!Www@Answer-Health@Com
I know you want to help her, and I'm not criticising you, I promise!. But a treadmill is dreadfully boring for an 8 year old! Your daughter doesn't have to join a club to enjoy sports!. You can play with her!Www@Answer-Health@Com
honestly, you SHOULD tell her shes fat, no this isnt a joke
why should u!? because that will increase her motivation, and truthfully, if i was fat, id rather hear it from my mother who is trying to help me rather than hear it from all the ppl at school who are making fun of me!. Also, fruit is not necessarily healthy; too much and u can end up gaining weight!. try limiting fruits to 2 a day, and eat as many veggies as you want!. also, try making her go on the treadmill maybe for 30-40ish minutes!. also, JUMP ROPE its like a miracle all body workout, it gets ur arms legs stomach and hips!
also remember LOTS of water
andd she will grow, so just give her a healthy diet and as long as she maintains her weight, she'll get taller as she grows so her weight will match her height!.
Also, to what friendly jewish accountant said: I know what its like to be in the situation of people making fun of what ulook like, so even if YOU dont believe in ideal body image, kids at school do, and if you dont change her now, just remember that your child is going to have a lack of confidence, and will be known as "the chubby one"
dont think of it as encouraging ideal body image, think of it as giving your child a healthier and happier life :)
check out this website, and you'll know excercise, calorie intake etc!.!. http://www!.freedieting!.com/tools/calorie!.!.!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
why should u!? because that will increase her motivation, and truthfully, if i was fat, id rather hear it from my mother who is trying to help me rather than hear it from all the ppl at school who are making fun of me!. Also, fruit is not necessarily healthy; too much and u can end up gaining weight!. try limiting fruits to 2 a day, and eat as many veggies as you want!. also, try making her go on the treadmill maybe for 30-40ish minutes!. also, JUMP ROPE its like a miracle all body workout, it gets ur arms legs stomach and hips!
also remember LOTS of water
andd she will grow, so just give her a healthy diet and as long as she maintains her weight, she'll get taller as she grows so her weight will match her height!.
Also, to what friendly jewish accountant said: I know what its like to be in the situation of people making fun of what ulook like, so even if YOU dont believe in ideal body image, kids at school do, and if you dont change her now, just remember that your child is going to have a lack of confidence, and will be known as "the chubby one"
dont think of it as encouraging ideal body image, think of it as giving your child a healthier and happier life :)
check out this website, and you'll know excercise, calorie intake etc!.!. http://www!.freedieting!.com/tools/calorie!.!.!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
She should go outside and play with her friends, or with you!. Some time you could just go play basketball with her, or do some yoga, which would help build her confidence, and possibly end up joining a sports team on her own!. I think that I would not encourage exercise too much, seeing as she is very young, and will not completely understand!. When she is older, and becomes more self conscious, she will be more motivated to lose the weight on her own!.Www@Answer-Health@Com