my 8 year old
I am scared now as a mother of an 8 year old daughter, of saying too much or not enough to my daughter about her weight. I don’t think she is overweight, just has a belly(I think most 8 year old girls do until they get taller?) but I was her size at her age. When I hit my teen years I had horrible junk food binges when left alone watching tv. I was chunky but could hide it. Now I have leftover weight from 2 pregnancies, my 8 year old and a 4 year old. Haven’t been able to shed many pounds in 4 years. I worry if I don’t start helping her now, she might turn into a junkfood junkie too. I think it’s inherited, my second daughter eats salad, fruit and veggies like they are candy. Me and daughter #1, not so much. I might be on too high alert and should lay off daughter #1 and keep encouraging to eat fruit, veggies are another battle by themselves. it’s hard also because my husband “teases” her about her belly. Not very often, but enough that I stick up for her and say she is only 8 and has years to grow upward. any other advice for this worrier?
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Lead by example sweetheart! Thats the only way. What you do, she will copy!!!! Don’t go crazy on her though..she is still a kid. Just make sure she knows when she is getting a ‘treat’ and encourage her to play outside and run around more. Make games involve more physical activity!
It’s not so much what you say but what you do! Words about her weight might only hurt her now so just lead by example as kelly said. That IS the ONLY way.
Kids mimic us all thur out their lives. Actions are so much stronger than words. Research also shows that a child will most mimic the same sex parent and anyone else in thier lives. So it’s up to you to get healthy, stay active and always encourage and praise her when she follows.
Be positive.
Oh how your story brings back memories of my childhood. If I only knew then what I know now.
First off, tell your husband to keep his mouth shut. PERIOD.
My dad had nicknames for me that were weight related. I am now almost 37 years old and can still hear that crap in my head. My dad meant no harm as I am sure your husband doesn’t either, but at her age, your daughter could start believing what she hears about herself. This could in turn lead to another set of issues.
Like Kelly said, teach by example. As she gets older, if you still see a problem, then talk to her. It is a difficult situation, because while you don’t want her to be overweight, you don’t want her to become obsessed with it either. Just try to keep her aware of the potential problem as she gets older.
Thanks!!!
I have to agree with melnhardy, tell hubby to stop with the comments. I have a grandaughter who is 5 and I have had to have talks with my son and daughter in law over this issue. I don’t think they mean anything by it, but I know it hurts. I was also one of those chubby kids. I worry that if they continue to make it such an issue she will end up with such poor self image it could lead to bulemia or anorexia! When given good choices for foods my grandaughter usually makes them. She is not a big meat eater and they are constantly on her about that. I tell them leave her alone, she likes peaunut butter, and cheese she does not have to eat meat. When she is with me she also eats fruits, veggies, and yogurt.
Just keep being a good role model for her. I like that I am able to do that with my grandaughter!
HUGS!
I agree with the others, don’t let others (like her dad) pick on her! it’s not good for her self esteem and won’t help her feel better
be her new role model, when you eat better and exercise she might do it too (I always wanted to be like my mommy:))
also you control what comes in the house, keep healthy foods in the house. try something like eat a new food each week, like try new fruits and veggies she hasn’t ate before…or new recipes. like say she hates carrots, find a new way to make them, she might like them made differently
also try to encourage her to help in the food preparation…I’ve read that this helps children get more interested in the meal..I think
lastly, focus on healthy living…not losing weight
good luck!
hey girlie, I just wrote a blog yesterday about this “3 - Moms and Puppy Fat”. Maybe give it a read. I tried to write you a post last night, but my computer at home kept cutting out everytime I tried to post it!
Hi,
Glad to hear I am not the only one with this issue. I actually have a 10 year old who loves junk food like her mom. I have been working with her to expand her food choices. She was tough as pickier with her food choices. Now believe it or not I have gotten her to try healthier alternatives. like I bought wheat sub rolls and she loved them. She does have a belly but i think it is getting smaller. try taking small steps and change one thing a week so as not to turn things all upside . I even got her to try sushi which I was surprised. Also I have given her the job of grocery shopping. She makes up the meals for dinner for the week and I have inadvertantly worked with her so she makes healthier choices for food. There are alot of ways to be creative.Good luck with her. My son and husband would also joke around with her about her belly but I really put a stop to that as so many kids these days worry about being fat and I want my kids to be accepting of all body types sometimes it is just in the genes to be built differently.