Are You in Denial About Your Overweight Child?

by Lisa P | More from this Blogger

10 Nov 2007 06:14 AM

A recent poll showed that half the parents who had overweight or obese kids simply didn't realize their kids weighed too much. Now it is one thing to look in the mirror and deny that we're getting heavier but what on earth are we doing to our kids if we turn a blind eye?

Dieticians believe that parents are in denial about their kids' weight because they don't want to have to change their own eating and exercise habits. What does that say about us as parents if we aren't willing to teach our kids good healthy habits for a healthy and long life? Now, turning a blind eye to an obese kid may not seem to be equal to blazing up a cigarette in front of them but isn't it?

What are we teaching our kids about health?

If we don't change our ways for ourselves, isn't it time we did so for our kids?

Which is better: our children see us sitting around the television eating junk food or our children seeing us creating healthy family meals and making time for a walk after dinner?

This should be a no-brainer, but it isn't.

We need to stop assuming that our fat kids have thyroid problems and start taking some responsibility for their diabetes, high blood pressure, weak joints, poorly developing muscle structure and inability to go outside and play like normal kids. After all, who is responsible for our kids but us?

An estimated 25 million children in the USA are overweight or obese. Is it McDonalds' fault? Is it Burger King's fault?

Let's face it folks - it is our fault as parents.

We're the ones that put the cash in their hands. We're the ones who provide an example and drive through BK when we're hungry instead of shopping at a farmer's market.

We teach our children first and foremost by example. How can we continue to deny our own issues with food and obesity when those issues are looking at us with our children's eyes?

Go to the calculator on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website to figure out whether or not your child is too heavy. The life you save may be your child's.

Learn more about Lisa P

Lisa used to be a freelance writer and Community Manager for Families.com, but she has finally made the jump to novelist.

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