Chubby kids

[tridlette]

BBW, no offense taken. I found that I wanted to jump in and defend and explain myself, but I have to take a step back and be honest. I am not disgusted by Shaun, or his eating habits. I guess I am disgusted with myself if anything for allowing him to get to be so big. I asked his doctor about it a year ago, and she assured me his growth spurt will come. He is only 9, so his time is due. He has had a very rough year, between strep throat, being hit by the car, the antibiotic reactions, etc. so I know that I focused my attentions in the right places for him.

As you have said, they have so much to deal with just being kids, that they need approval and support from us. I am not proud of what my son looks like, but I am extremely proud of how he handles people who are not nice to him. He has always held his head high, and said things like, "I may not be as fast as you are, but kids play with me because I am not mean to them like you are." That is his outlook on life.

He asked me and his father to help him watch his weight. We have a pool in our yard, and he is a junior black belt in karate. He skis in the winter and rides his bike everywhere (even into cars ). I think he has just inherited my slow metabolism. I would rather be heavier than ideal and be happy than be on a perpetual diet and miserable.

BBW, thank you for reminding me that kids read us better than we think they do. I will take Shaun with me shopping and have him pick out the healthy free foods, and stock up on them.

[BBW4EVR1]

Oh Tridette;
I was very touched by your response. Please don't be disgusted with yourself--it sounds as if you are a better parent than you give yourself credit for. Your son sounds like a champ. He is lucky to have you. This is not a blame game--it is called life. I too am large--actually fat. That's what BBW stands for "Big Beautiful Woman Forever!" I have been heavy my whole life--all of my brother's and my sister are-except one and he is adopted. We have all been on the yo-yo diets and at one time or another we have all been smaller. But the luck of the draw was that we are all fat but we are all d**n good looking and smart!!

I think you will be surprised at how easy the "free food" concept is. When you start looking, the "free food" section is endless. Don't forget to get some nuts and pretzels. While the nuts are not necessarily "free" foods they are an essential source of protein and very good for you. What I do with some of the not really "free food" is, I portion them off and put them in baggies. These are stored in a cupboard--only a few baggies at a time as nuts add up in calories. Also, you might want to pop some popcorn and portion that off into baggies. You can even mix raisins, nuts, and m&m's together and portion that off. Add a few spicy or honey roasted nuts for variety. You will be amazed at how easy it is and how wonderful your son will feel when he starts eating healthy. The best part is, he won't even think he is eating healthy-he will just think he is plain lucky to have all of those "free foods!"

Hang in there-the "free food" can be eaten by mom too!

God Bless! ;D

[Honeysmom]

I am impressed by both of you!

Tridlette, I know you are a good mom. I can tell my what you write and how involed you are in your kids lives. If you were not concerned about Shaun's weight, that would be a cause for concern. Jerry was a heavy child (I have pictures to prove it ) and when he turned about 13 he got taller and muscular. He is still considered heavy for his height, but I think weight is just a number. Shaun will probably do the same thing when he hits puberty.

BBW, I wish I had as much self-confidence as you do. I really admire that. I listened to my dad give weight speeches to my sister and my self all our lives and it really does make you paranoid. He used to count our calories daily. I think as a result I have it stuck in my head that I have to be thin. That is really silly when I think about it. That is also one of the reasons I work on my self-esteem. I do not want Avery to see my have a bad self image. It is not good for her. So I am going to make it my mission to see myself differenly.

And I agree, what fun would life be if I had to be on a diet all my life? I love to eat! Dr. Phil would have a field day with my!! I still don't understand why eating can't be a hobby, sounds like a good time to me!!

Becky

[BBW4EVR1]

Becky-
I think I would have a hay day with Dr. Phil!! News flash-just because you are fat does not mean you are a bad person!!! My kids have grown up with a fat mom and a thin dad--guess what? We are both good parents and good people. Does that mean fat people don't eat healthy or aren't aware of health risks? Not at all. It just means that they are fat! That's all--just fat! There is not a person on this planet, whom, according to modern medicine isn't a health risk. What is your cholesterol? Do you smoke? What is your bone density? What is your fat index? Do you drink caffine? Do you eat too many cards? Do you eat too much protein? Do you eat foods high in sugar? Are you a couch potato? Guess what--I do believe skinny people die too!! Point is--stress is bad for you too-so I have decided to be happy being fat and not stressed rather than being stressed about being fat! I bet either way, my day to meet my maker will come!

Seriously, Becky, and all who are worried about their children being overweight and they themselves being overweight, give yourself a break. Allow your self to be happy just the way you are--your kids will follow suit!

PS - my cholesterol is lower than my skinny husband's! There's one for the fat people! ;D