Kids & Weight Watchers...Any tips?

[mickeyspal!]

I have an 11 year old daughter who unfortunately takes after her Mom(me) and is developing a weight problem. We have just started the WW program(doing it on our own, not attending meetings, I have all the literature from previous meetings) and I was wondering if anyone else is going through a similiar expierience and may have a few tips on how to keep her and myself on track. Also, how has the expierience been dieting with a child. Thanks!

[MelanieC]

Hi Mickeyspal!

You and I become PM buddies for this. I have a similiar situation.

Read a past post:
Link (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=411126)

My DD is 11, and is far from fat, but this was her 2nd year that we were told by a doctor that she should watch her weight. She is 4'9'' tall and weighed 103 pounds. I was, and am worried that she will think that she needs to diet. I don't want her to diet, I just want her to learn to make better choices and eat healthier. I try to really emphasize her getting calcium, eating vegetables etc. I am trying to help her learn how to round out her nutrition and make better choices. I let her decide, and don't say anything (except maybe say - remember not to eat too many fried foods), but I don't let her not have it. She has started to weigh herself, which does concern me, but it's the only way for her to see how what she eats affects her.

I don't want her to become obsessed with "loosing", in fact I tell her everyday that she is NOT on a diet, but rather just learning to eat better. She has already lost a few pounds.

Feel free to PM me, and we can maybe keep in touch since it sounds like our 11 year old daughters are in the same boat. It is so hard to know how to handle this. I only want to do what is right for her.

Melanie

[wdwnutze]

I like your approach MelanieC. I, too, am dealing with the same issue with my just turned 11 dd. She has never been thin but I certainly wouldn't call her fat either. She went to the Dr. a few months ago and he said she was about 15lbs overweight(4'8 98lbs). I also don't want her to obsess about her weight but I am trying to get her to take a look at her food choices and think before she eats. She is also a low energy kid so I have been encouraging her to walk and ride her bike instead of asking for rides everywhere. I would like her to learn good habits while she is young. When I was her age I was made fun of for being heavy and it was very painful. Mickeyspal- I would focus more on portion control and making good food choices(you can base it on WW) without emphasizing the "dieting" part of it. It is so hard to deal with and I sympathize with you.