Kid Fitness: Myths about Overweight Children

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

28 Sep 2006 05:30 AM

Genuine concern exists for parents about the weight of their children. We hear a news story every single day about childhood obesity. We hear about what we need to be afraid of and in some cases, what we need to do as parents to protect our children. Today, I want to talk about some of the myths associated with overweight children.

Childhood Obesity Needs a Quick Fix

It would be nice if there were an instant fix to all fitness issues, especially obesity. It would be great if there were a fast answer for us much less our children. It's also important to remember that obesity doesn't have an overnight fix for anyone. Being overweight whether it's 10 pounds or 100 pounds cannot be remedied by a diet in just a few days.

In order to change the numbers on the scale and the effect of obesity on your child or yourself for that matter requires a commitment to life change. It requires eating a healthier diet and to increase levels of physical activity. When our kids are involved, we need to make sure the life changes we are committing to are for the entire family and not just for our kids.

We're All Big-Boned, So It's Okay if My Kid is Big too

Speaking as one of those big-boned individuals, it's important to throw this rationalization out the window. It's not the bones on your child that we're worried about, it's the body mass index. If they are a big kid and their BMI is below 25, you're not going to need to worry about their weight issues.

If their BMI exceeds that number then they are overweight. Consult with your pediatrician if you are concerned about the BMI. There are some conditions that can affect weight including the thyroid - a pediatric visit can help to eliminate those or identify them as an issue for your child.

My Kid is Lazy, That's Why They Are Overweight

Okay parents, this is a hard one - but it's not our kid's fault - it's ours. We are the parents, we do not abdicate responsibility for their flaws and just take credit for their successes. Too often we look at someone who is overweight and we just say it's because they are lazy or self-indulgent or lack self-control. Our kids eat what we give them. Our kids do what we tell them to do. If we don't care that they are playing video games all day and eating Twinkies for breakfast - then there is going to be a problem for them.

You don't get to turn your child away because you don't like their weight. You don't get to say it's all their fault. You are the adult in the situation and you have the power to effect change in it. Learn what healthy choices are and make those healthy choices for yourself as well as your child. Support them, love them and be there for them and don't abandon them because of a faulty choice you made.

What other myths can you think of with regard to your child's fitness?

Related Articles:

Exercise Tips for Kids - What Parents Can Do

Ring Around the Yogi

A is for Activity

Children & Dieting

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger