6 year old on a diet?

[Boo'sMom]

your daughter is beautiful, and certainly not what I'd consider overweight--or even close to it.
Just keep encouraging her to keep up with her gymnastics, and eating healthy. I think a more important lesson is positive self image.

 

[CEDmom]

I just saw your DD's picture. She's adorable and looks like a lot of little girls that haven't yet shed their baby fat. I think keeping her active like you're doing and taking a good look at what she's eating will make a big difference.

 

[tiggersmom2]

Oh sweetie you have a GORGEOUS daughter. I would just encourage as much exercise as possible ( in the guise of outdoor play) and start cooking very healthy meals....no fast food...period.

 

[CEDmom]

Speaking of beautiful daughter's TM2 yours is absolutely beautiful.

 

[dustysky]

Oh sweetie you have a GORGEOUS daughter. I would just encourage as much exercise as possible ( in the guise of outdoor play) and start cooking very healthy meals....no fast food...period.

Aww thank you, you have one sweet little angle there yourself dont you, she is darling!!!!!!!

 

[MareQ]

She's beautiful and nice and healthy

No to "diets" - Yes to subtle changes in her diet that will have a positive effect Without knowing what she is eating now - it's hard to say what changes you could make.

Also - it's VERY possible it's just plain old genetics at this point - weight and height don't always "grow" at the same rate. If you are concerned- I would make an appointment for a "checkup" with your pediatrician but make it CLEAR that you are not to discuss the "issue" in front of your daughter. Maybe have yoru DH or somebody go with you - have the Dr examine her then take her out of the room while you speak with the Dr. No need to start the self-imagie issues early on kwim? (FWIW when I was 12 I overheard my DOctor say to my mom "Well she'll never be skinny as an adult that's for sure" very painful :*()

Good luck

 

[bekkiz]

I would actually look for another sport in addition to gymnastics. As someone who's struggled with weight issues herself, but has also been involved in sports for a long time, gymnastics at a rec level is not the best choice in terms of energy output. There's a lot of sitting around, waiting for a turn.

That's not to say it's a bad choice, esp. if she enjoys it, but if you want her to slim down it isn't the best choice. There's also a LOT of weight issues as gymnastics continues. I've seen girls as young as 8 being mocked or harrased at gyms because they're too heavy (yes, by the coaches)

After this round of classes, maybe look for something that is more active in addition to gymnastics. Almost any team sport is a good choice (soccer, basketball, softball) and it will help her on the long run maintain a healthy attitude towards excercise. To be honest, long walks after dinner as a family would be almost as good of a choice. You need to be moving for 30 minutes in a row to get the best workout...a long walk will help everyone!

 

[tw1nsmom]

Please don't talk about losing weight or dieting around her. I have the sam challenge with my DD. We emphasize growing up to be strong, healthy and having fun. We talk about some food being junk and okay for a treat but not to pretend it's going to help you grow.

Keep her moving in a fun way. Our kids love their individual trampoliine. I bought the kind adults use to jog/exercise. Ours has a handle because my kids have balance issues. The kind without a handle is cheap and can be stored in a closet when not in use. If you have hardwood floors or tile, you could get a scooter board. My kids love spinning on theirs or race through the house, scooting/rolling along on their bottoms, knees, or tummies. You're in Florida aren't you? If you live near the beach go for walks looking for shells. Have her help carry groceries and laundry. It's great for building little muscles. Swimming is also fantastic, fun exercise.

 

[Disney-For-Life]

What a pretty little girl. I think you are a very caring mother for trying to do what is best. To echo what others have said, I wouldn't put her on a diet. Diets are short term and do not work. I would change your life style for the long term incorporating healthy choices and snacks. I would do this for everyone in your family, not just her. This would create long lasting changes in a positive way, without hurting her self-esteem by singling her out. Everyone can benefit from more veggies and fruit : D

 

[jimmalru80]

Only with the advice and supervision of her doctor.

 

[Beth76]

Oh she's darling!!! To answer your question, no I would not put my child on a "diet". I would make a lifestyle change. The WHOLE family would start eating better and I would encourage more activity.

 

[tiggersmom2]

Speaking of beautiful daughter's TM2 yours is absolutely beautiful.

Aww thank you, you have one sweet little angle there yourself dont you, she is darling!!!!!!!

Thanks guys!!! I am so in love and just drifting on cloud nine right now .....sorry to hijack.

 

[FinallyBoughtDVC]

I am all for changing with her to help but calling yogurt yummy is just not going to happen for me.

Oh, oh, oh...you must, must, must try Columbo FAT FREE yogurt in such yummy flavors as Key Lime Pie and Pina Colada...all the flavors are fantastic. Yummmmmmmy. Throw a little bit of granola in there for some crunch and you will be full all morning!!

They have a tons of flavors, Lemon Merignue, Boston Creme Pie, etc...

You really should try them

 

[EthansMom]

I think your daughter is adorable!

I agree with the others. You shouldn't even say "diet"... just change the foods that you keep in the house for everyone and say, "We all need to eat more healthy foods because it is better for us!"

Some healthier items my kids enjoy: fresh fruit (kiwi, mango, berries, apples, oranges, plums, peaches, bananas, etc..), nuts, pretzels, no-sugar-added juice boxes, dried fruit, granola bars, yogurt (especially for breakfast), low-sugar fruit cups, no-sugar-added apple sauce, baby carrots, celery sticks, grape tomatoes, and cucumber slices.

 

[EthansMom]

Oh, oh, oh...you must, must, must try Columbo FAT FREE yogurt in such yummy flavors as Key Lime Pie and Pina Colada...all the flavors are fantastic. Yummmmmmmy. Throw a little bit of granola in there for some crunch and you will be full all morning!!

They have a tons of flavors, Lemon Merignue, Boston Creme Pie, etc...

You really should try them

My kids LOVE the Dannon Fruit on the Bottom in the Pineapple flavor! It's one of their favorite breakfast foods.

The Columbo Pina Colada yogurt sounds delish!

 

[FinallyBoughtDVC]

it's sad that "Good" food....rarely ever tastes "Good", isn't it?

I completely disagree.

This week, my family has had homemade chicken fajitas (all natural, all healthy), grilled salmon with spinach pie, sushi (we are sushi freaks), roast turkey breast with onions, carrots and stuffing (homemade, not packaged), flounder Greek style (broiled with olive oil, sliced onions, tomatoes and feta) and I can't remember what else...

Other than the turkey breast, none of these dinners took longer than 20-30 minutes to prepare and cook (the turkey took much longer, but, gosh, it's a no brainer, turn on the oven, stick in the turkey, wait for the popper, done.).

I think people overthink "healthy" and take it to mean celery sticks with tofu.

Breakfast is almost always hot and homemade. Eggs, fruit, whole wheat muffins with a bit of butter and jam, etc. School lunches are always made at home (once in a blue moon, we'll send them in with money to buy).

Juices are almost always a no-no here (I read once that drinking one glass of orange juice is equal to eating 5 oranges...). We encourage lots of water drinking here. My kids will almost always order an unsweetened ice tea or water when we go out to eat. Any sugar drinks are forbidden - they're crap.

We love our treats - ice cream, a piece or two of chocolate, sorbet, ices, etc. in moderation and not every single day. Anyway - getting off the point - eating healthy does not equal eating gross.

 

[FinallyBoughtDVC]

PLEASE do not be mean or rude but I wanted to post a picture of her so what I am saying is a bit more clear.
I can not say enouph that she is my life, the reason I breath and I love her with ALL my heart but I worry for her to not ever be like me.

Oh my gosh, she is adorable and she looks VERY happy!! You're a lucky lady!

 

[nbodyhome]

I'd enroll a 6 year old in activities - or at least make sure they had more exercise time than TV time. And encourage healthier eating. Not a diet, just making some changes to their habits.

 

[nbodyhome]

Your daughter is really cute! Not terribly overweight - in fact, it may just start coming off as she gets older as well.

Get her definitely into some activities - or bike riding, etc. Cardiovascular activity which she enjoys. There are a lot of items on the shelves which say they are healthy and they really aren't (many granola bars, for instance). But there are a lot of wonderful, healthy items. That would include fruit - get a bowl with oranges, apples, bananas, etc. My niece and nephew really enjoy the Zbars by Clif, those aren't as good as fruit - but heathier than candy bars, anyway. I bought some for myself as well. I love the Motts Healthy Harvest applesauce, and there isn't added sugar or HFCS. There are so many recipes for meals, check recipezaar.com for 200,000 recipes! If she eats cereal, there are healthy alternatives too.

 

[MAKmom]

You could tell DD that YOU have decided that you want to get healthy. Tell her YOU decided to eat better & take walks. Ask her to join you on the walks. This will make her happy...girls want Mom to be healthy & happy.