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Child Behavior (Expert Forum)
Child Obesity
Answered by
Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D. - Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Family Therapy, Crisis Intervention
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates
This forum is for questions and support regarding child behavior issues such: Child Discipline (behavior management), Normal Child Development, Parent-Child Communications, Social Development
Child Obesity
by Thumper, Jan 21, 2001 12:00AM
I have a nephew that i am seriously concerned about. he is 10 years old and weighs over 120 lbs. His mother is slightly obese, too. i have tried to explain to her that it is unhealthy for him to be that large, but she doesn't seem to be too concerned. She will put him on a diet, as long as we are around. i have noticed that he eats every time he gets in trouble, and over excited. He snacks all of the time and drinks sodas constantly. My sister has threatened everyone of her siblings with DHR if she sees them punishing (spanking) their children. She thinks that "time-out" and the "reward system" is much more effective. however, it's her child that has th problems in school, it's her child that is direspectful to her and everyone else, and it's her home where the decibel point tolerance between the two is almost deafening.
I have tried to help, but im wondering if it's not him but his mother and if he has gone too far to be helped. Obesity might not even be the primary issue.
I have tried to help, but im wondering if it's not him but his mother and if he has gone too far to be helped. Obesity might not even be the primary issue.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D., Jan 22, 2001 12:00AM
, Jan 22, 2001 12:00AM
There are certainly signs of trouble within this family, and your nephew's obesity is a problem in itself, but likely also symtomatic of the family system problems. However, this is not your family - you cannot change things. All you can do is express your love and concern, and try to influence your nephew's parents to seek some help. But don't involve yourself in an intrusive, combative way, and please don't employ this feedback in combat with your nephew's parents.
Member Comments (3)
by Thumper, Jan 23, 2001 12:00AM
thank you for that information. i know that i can't tell them what was said, but i do believe that there are some serious problems. Also, i just found out tonight, by my wife, that he weighs 169 not 120. i am afraid that the child protection services will take him away from her...which may prove to be the best thing.
by michele, Feb 01, 2001 12:00AM
I'm not sure if forcing an outside agency into the picture and possibly having him taken away from his mother is the right thing to do. Perhaps you could try taking your nephew bowling, put-put golfing, derby-car racing, etc. anything to get him out of his environment and take his mind off of food. Maybe he would open to you and let you know what's bothering him. Obesity creates it's own problems (kids might tease him & he probably feels awful) but at the same time food is probably the only comfort/best friend he's got.
