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overweight children

any advise on how to help my 11y/o daughter without hurting her self esteem?

Mon. May 21, 5:14am

Try to center meals around fruits and veggies, and get her input into which ones she likes the best. Offer them to her as snacks - always have some clean, cut up, etc. Try to plan outings that involve exercise. Instead of a trip to the movies w/ a bunch of popcorn, go somewhere outdoors and hike or play. Tell her something like, "I really want to get better at riding my bike; will you do it with me? I'd like the company." Then it's about you needing her help, not her needing to get fit. Or choose another activity if that's not the one for you.

Monday, May 21, 2007, 10:31 AM

maybe you can teach her about puberty and how the hormonal changes are going to affect her body and explain how if she starts a regular exercise program now, then the changes she will be going through may not take such a toll on her body. you can also teach her about digestion in general and how the body is a vessel, like a car, that needs certain fuels and that some choices that may SEEM like fuel are just unnecessary additives. explain how when your car just sits in the driveway and isn't moving around, it doesn't need more fuel. i think educating her is the least offensive approach and the most empowering for her-it may give her a sense of control, make her feel like she's making certain choices for her own benefit.

Monday, May 21, 2007, 2:32 PM

i agree. knowledge is power.

Tuesday, May 22, 2007, 11:17 AM

Act as a role model.

Ask her to join you in outdoor activities - teach her how to garden, ask her to go on a walk (special one on one time), ask her what she'd like to do.

Offer healthy meals at dinnertime, make healthy lunches and try to make a point of eating only at the dinner table (everyone!). So much mindless eating happens in front of the TV (I am guilty of this!).

Tuesday, May 22, 2007, 1:02 PM

No matter how tiered I am- I get home and get the kids outside and just run and play games.

No matter how hungry I am (or what cravings I'm having)- I prepare healthy meals and keep junk food out of the house.

No matter how mad or crabby I get- I try my best to be kind and loving and always compliment my children.

Confidence is one of the best gifts you can give a child- daily compliments work wonders.

Tuesday, May 22, 2007, 3:58 PM

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