For months I’ve been ignoring it, pretending it would go away.
Then my son got a letter home from school pointing out in black and white that his BMI is too high. In short he’s heavier than someone his height should be.
The local health board offers comforting sources of advice and support, but surely I don’t need professional help for my boy’s tummy, do I?
Of course I want my children to have a healthy relationship with food and to eat enough of what’s good for them. And I do know what ought to be on the menu – and what ought not. But it’s not enough.
My boy is picky and he’s not interested in a varied diet. Fruit and veg are only consumed under sufferance, supervision and after some nagging.
He’d rather scoff chips, biscuits and sweeties. In fact, left to his own devices, that’s what he’d subsist on, washed down by coke and swilling in ketchup.
When he thinks I’m not looking he sneaks sugary snacks into his room and (badly) hides the evidence.
But he’s a bright lad. He knows the theory. And he’s not a total couch slug, he plays football and happily runs around with his pals.
So what should I do? Sit him down for a Big Chat, put him on a diet or continue to believe it’s only puppy fat.
My daughter had the same letter from school when she was in reception class….
She was at the doctors for something unrelated and I happened to ask about her being heavier then she should be….He said not to worry and give it a year and if we were still concerned…
Well a went by and she's shot up in height and recently at the doctors they weighed her and she is the perfect weight for her height….
If it's not affecting him I wouldn't worry….
Thanks. Maybe wait and see will work.
I wouldn't make a big issue out of it or worry to much just yet. Just try to make subtle changes to his diet so he eats bit healthier then at least you know you are doing everything you can.
Thanks. I do think I need to find a way of engaging him in the process.
Don't know how old he is but my 9 year old was learning about food and healthy eating at school. They were reading food labels and learning about making healthy choices – not bad foods as such but some are best kept for a treat. Doesn't have to be about being “fat” just keeping healthy. Maybe getting him more involved would help ?
Thanks, he's done that at school too. Perhaps he needs to be involved right back in the 'what will everyone eat this week?' decisions.