Being there for your kids - Weight? Don't Wait

Episode Date: March 1, 2019

Weight can be an issue for kids. Some parents just conclude that kids will grow into their adult bodies, or that he's just being "all boy." However, weight issues can affect both your child's physical involvement in his life, but also his emotional well-being. When you see an emotional fever that indicates your child's size is affecting his body image, use active listening to get to the underlying feelings. When you see his emotional fever subside, ask permission to suggest some specific activities and attitudes he can adopt to bring his body image back in line. Be proactive and involved in your child's healthy choices. Remember, with weight, don't wait.

Hi, I'm Dr. John Robinson, and this is Teachable Moments. Let's talk about weight. What? Wait? Don't wait. Do you wonder if your child has a weight issue, overweight, underweight? If you wonder at all, don't wait to help them do something about it. Nine-year-old Jenny never liked it when the teacher told the class to line up for the two captains to choose sides. Not only was she never selected to be a team captain, she was always chosen last. whomever of the captains was stuck with the last pick.

Jenny had battled overeating as far back as she could remember. She just couldn't help giving herself heaping portions and asking for seconds. Munchies, forget about it. It seemed like there was always something sweet tasting close by. Because of her weight and being uncoordinated, she was always chosen last. Six-year-old Bobby didn't have Jenny's problem. He was athletic, slim, and had an abundance of energy. In fact, too much energy.

The doctor had told his mom that he was. hyper, whatever that meant. Now he takes pills to help him slow down, but he likes going fast. He just doesn't like getting into trouble and forgetting to slow down enough to do his schoolwork. He hates it when he hears the boys calling him stupid. These children have weight issues that both need to be addressed by their parents and by their pediatrician. Physicians encourage parents of all children to get them regular checkups, monthly after birth, every six months sometime later, and at least annually up to age 10. There are medical charts that indicate average weight for children according to age and height. There is also an average range for body mass index. If these numbers are in the

average range, but your child has body image issues anyway, use your active listening to help her understand her feelings and plan activities and encourage positive self-worth and social interaction. If your child is getting medicine for being hyper, watch his weight carefully. This kind of medicine can have a side effect of children losing their appetite. Keep your children healthy with a high protein, high caloric diet to encourage weight maintenance. Stay on top of any weight issues your child may have. Include them in your discussions at an age appropriate level. Don't wait. You may just help them avoid both physical health and mental health concerns in the long run. I'm Dr. Jonathan C. Robinson, licensed clinical psychologist and Christian author, and this has been Teachable Months.

Moments, Building Blocks of Christian Parenting is available online at AmazonBooks.com and in local and national bookstores. More on Dr. Robinson at TMC-P-I-N-C.com.