There is no doubt about it...we love our kids! We'd throw ourselves under the bus for them in a heartbeat if necessary to protect them. Why then do we seem to be in a fog when it comes to the reality that our children are overweight or even obese and that there is no end to this trend in sight? It makes no sense...unless...we are believing things that are not true and failing to grasp those which are.
Let's look at a few of the mistakes parents routinely make about childhood obesity.
1. "It's just baby fat". Unfortunately the connotation of "baby fat" or "angelic chubby-ness" glosses over the reality that a child is overweight or obese. The fact is, health care providers have tools at their disposal, such as BMI (body mass index), for determining whether the weight of your child is within healthy guidelines. Don't ignore your "chubby" child assuming that he will "grow out of it" (or, "grow into" the extra pounds). He may be developing a pattern of weight gain that will follow him through life and predispose him to the diseases that accompany obesity.
2. Don't excuse extra pounds because "our whole family is big-boned". That only serves to muddy the waters. Your child may indeed be overweight. In fact, the whole family may be overweight without knowing that the excess pounds are a result of bad eating styles. Or, your child may be suffering from an internal imbalance that may require the intervention of the doctor at an early age so as to avoid more serious problems. Let your health care provided make the determination whether or not your child is "just chubby".
3. Don't fall into the trap of feeling ashamed to seek help for your child (and yourself). Many parents believe, in error, that the doctor will judge them if they bring their overweight child in for an examination. Never mind the ideas perpetrated by magazines and media "feature programs" that suggest that if one exercises adequate self-control, weight will be normal. There are many, many complex factors that come into play in these hectic times...stress, busy schedules, fast foods, mis-labeling, faulty information, sugar-laden and over-processed foods to name a few. The doctor understands this. He or she will not judge you. Rather, you can expect clear-headed guidance, valuable information, and direction toward resources that can help.
4. Don't ever put your child on the same diet that you are using. Most commercially available "diet plans" are ineffective and potentially dangerous, especially for children. Obesity among children is a national problem and many professionals are working hard to find a solution.
In the meantime, don't lose valuable time...seek help for your child today.
Do you really want to help your child lose weight?
By Sue Bristol, R.N.
My eBook will lead you through the way to make weight loss work for you, and your obese child, or spouse. Here's the "Secret Weight Loss Diet" that virtually EVERY successful dieter uses. (Whether or not they are even aware of it!)
"Click Here" to get your Free e-book, which will give you the "Weight Loss Secret" Kids shouldn't be obese.
http://www.how-to-loseweight-101.com/index1.html
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