Helping the Overweight Teenager

Between peers, teachers, neighbors, and the media, teenagers have enough information about weight shoved in their face. Being a parent of an overweight teenager is difficult only because you want your child to be healthy number one, but also liked. As you see your child come home from school in tears because he/she was teased, or you hear a story about your child not being included in a neighborhood game because of being too fat, or perhaps your child is obsessed with thin people in magazines on and television, it breaks your heart. Rather than just sit back and do … Continue reading

Should We Call Our Kids Fat?

Well, the obvious answer to this question is no. When adults put labels on kids, it can cause psychological problems and it can also generate behavior that is not productive. A number of articles appeared in various papers today discussing this same question. Experts are asking whether or not it is okay for parents to tell their children or their teenagers that they are fat. The debate is over language that the government uses is too fuzzy and gentle and doesn’t cut to the heart of the matter. But the problem is – telling someone that they are fat or … Continue reading

Avoiding obesity in the teen years

By the time your kids get to their teens years, they have taken over control of their schedules, and keeping them active is a feat of monstrous proportions. With today’s’ technological advancements, they are much more content to stay inside than we were at their age. They are attached to their computers, video games, and cell phones. There is no need to visit with friends or to go outside and play. Back when I was a teen, I walked two miles to the library, or a half mile to my friends house and then took the stairs to her fourth … Continue reading

Author Interview: Haley Hatch Freeman, Part Two

We are joined by Haley Hatch Freeman, author of the new book “A Future for Tomorrow.” Yesterday we began our conversation with Haley and she told us of her struggles with anorexia as a teenager which she documents in her book. We continue our chat today. Haley, thank you for being here with us today. One section of “A Future for Tomorrow” deals with a period of time during your recovery when you had to deal with dark influences. How did you come to peace with that in such a way that you were able to share it with others … Continue reading