Being called fat is something that will stick with a child for life. Not just through the awkward insecure teenage years, but also through adulthood.
Whether or not you child is obese, too thin, or just right, is it ever ok to put your child on a diet? Kids that are mocked for being thin will be insecure and the same goes for children who are larger. Do they really need a parent telling them they need to lose weight?
Granted, it is our job to make sure our children are healthy. However, there is a fine line between cruelty and parenting. Even small, little comments like “You are getting chunky babe” will affect them.
If you have a child who needs to lose a few pounds, don’t just put them on a diet and tell them they need to lose weight. Put the entire family on a healthy living lifestyle plan. Add more fruits and vegetables to their diet, give them good, nutritious wholesome food to eat. Cut back on the sweets and pre-packaged goods. Encourage them to play outside and take the family for walks and trips to the park. Start cutting back portions gradually so their stomachs will adjust to eating less.
For children who need to gain weight, encourage them to eat more. Offer seconds and make sure the food is prepared in an appealing way so they’ll want to eat instead of being picky. Let them help in the preparation of the food so they’ll be excited about eating. And do keep in mind that some children are just naturally thin with high metabolisms that can’t gain weight.
As always, do everything with a little tender loving care and your children will be on their way to being healthy in no time! Just give it time.
The Fashionable Bambino are not medical professionals, we are simply offering our advice on this matter. Do what is right for your family in every case. You are the parent, you know your child better than we do.