Chubby Kids...

[ThreeMusketeers]

I am sure this is a hot button topic. But with all the discussions on eating. I am wondering.

I always sturggled with weight as a kid. And it stunk. As an adult, I find it hard to stay healthy, b/c I was never taught what to eat.

It really really bothers me though, to see a Chubby Kid. Obviously, it's not the child's fault, and i relate to that kid..b/c life isn't easy for a big kid. I have been there.
But, I get enraged toward the parent.
B/c that 6 year old isn't fixing his own meals. That 10 year old CAN be told NO! And the sweets and JUNK can be left out of the house.

How could you set up such an unhealthy eating situation for your child that they are left being made fun of, walking instead of running and set up for a life with disease and so many unhealthy aspects.

As much as we know now..how do parents let this happen.
Assuming of course, this child does not have some disorder.


ETA: I am not talking about mildly chubby, I am talking Very overweight.

I saw this mom in Walmart today with her daughter, who was a beautiful little girl. She was probobly 6 years old. She was obese. Very large, could hardly walk. Was just sad to me. =(

 

[Todd&Copper]

I think it is very depressing to see obese children. My neighbor has an obese 13 or 14 year old son. He eats a lot and doens't get much exercise. She also does not set a good example (she is obese and gets very little exercise - once a week at the gym at most).
It annoys me that she complains about her son getting bigger and bigger, yet she buys the EasyMac and the Totinos and the Ramen that he is gorging on.

 

[xoprincessmomxo]

I agree with everything you said. It's kind of like giving a kid a cigarette, but getting mad if they smoke. You feed and obese child a junk food diet, you're putting their life in danger.

 

[Angelhalo]

I am the same way OP. I am a plus sized gal and I haven't been thin since I was in middle school, but my parents worked very hard to keep me healthy until it wasn't in their control anymore. I HATE seeing really fat kids when I am out places and like you, I am not upset with the child. I am upset with the parents. The child doesn't grocery shop, the child doesn't MAKE the family go out to dinner. They eat the way they are taught. Though I am not a skinny me, I am trying to be more healthy and hoep to pass those traits on to my kids.

 

[mkingdomlvr]

When I see a chubby child, I usually see chubby parents right along with them.

I know how hard it is to lose weight, eat a balanced diet and get enough exercise-I struggle with it every day. I really do pray every day for all of us out there making the tough choices, and even more so for parents because it has to be so hard to fight the lure of McD's, sugary cereal and candy marketing. Those companies go directly to children and create a demand.

 

[cheermom1]

I am sure this is a hot button topic. But with all the discussions on eating. I am wondering.

I always sturggled with weight as a kid. And it stunk. As an adult, I find it hard to stay healthy, b/c I was never taught what to eat.

It really really bothers me though, to see a Chubby Kid. Obviously, it's not the child's fault, and i relate to that kid..b/c life isn't easy for a big kid. I have been there.
But, I get enraged toward the parent.
B/c that 6 year old isn't fixing his own meals. That 10 year old CAN be told NO! And the sweets and JUNK can be left out of the house.

How could you set up such an unhealthy eating situation for your child that they are left being made fun of, walking instead of running and set up for a life with disease and so many unhealthy aspects.

As much as we know now..how do parents let this happen.
Assuming of course, this child does not have some disorder.


ETA: I am not talking about mildly chubby, I am talking Very overweight.

I saw this mom in Walmart today with her daughter, who was a beautiful little girl. She was probobly 6 years old. She was obese. Very large, could hardly walk. Was just sad to me. =(

that has always been my argument to everyone that complains to me about how fat their kid is - the first thing I ask is "who is buying and perparing the meals?" 100% of the time it's the parents and i let them know in a very blunt way!!

 

[tw1nsmom]

I have a weight problem. My DD8 has a weight problem. From birth she was bigger than her twin. A pound bigger at birth. 10 pounds bigger by 1 yr. 20 pounds by 4. She remains 20 pounds bigger. They're given the same food. If anything, she eats more fruits and vegetables than he does. I've lost weight and we work hard to have healthy meals and snacks in the house. My kids are enrolled in Tae kwon Do, swimming and play outside. DD has recently been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and is beginning treatment.


But you know what? None of that is your business. You have no clue what kind of things are going on at another person's home. You have no idea what those parents are doing to help or hurt that child. Just as I don't know if your (presumably) thin child is nurtured and loved in your home, or degraded and abused. I don't know if you work hard to provide your child with educational opportunities or are guilty of educational neglect. I don't know if you're raising a cultured, open-minded individual or if you are raising (by example) a foul mouthed bigot.

Just because you see a fat kid doesn't mean you know the whole story. I can't look at your kid and automatically know what kind of parent you are either. It's none of my business and none of your business. Save your anger and pity please.

 

[HunnyPots]

I am sure this is a hot button topic. But with all the discussions on eating. I am wondering.

I always sturggled with weight as a kid. And it stunk. As an adult, I find it hard to stay healthy, b/c I was never taught what to eat.

It really really bothers me though, to see a Chubby Kid. Obviously, it's not the child's fault, and i relate to that kid..b/c life isn't easy for a big kid. I have been there.
But, I get enraged toward the parent.
B/c that 6 year old isn't fixing his own meals. That 10 year old CAN be told NO! And the sweets and JUNK can be left out of the house.

How could you set up such an unhealthy eating situation for your child that they are left being made fun of, walking instead of running and set up for a life with disease and so many unhealthy aspects.

As much as we know now..how do parents let this happen.
Assuming of course, this child does not have some disorder.


ETA: I am not talking about mildly chubby, I am talking Very overweight.

I saw this mom in Walmart today with her daughter, who was a beautiful little girl. She was probobly 6 years old. She was obese. Very large, could hardly walk. Was just sad to me. =(

I know all about the nationwide obesity problem and I am not dismissing it, but please be aware that things are not always as they seem. I know a girl in the same grade as my son who was very "overweight" from kindergarten on. She has difficulty walking as well and people were quick to assume it was just a matter of bad eating habits. What they couldn't see was that she had been a kidney transplant patient at a very young age and had been on drugs that, while they wrecked her metabolism, kept her alive. Don't be too quick to judge...

 

[shelly3girls]

Although I completely agree with you that there is an epidemic of obese children in this country, there are many children who are chubby who get plenty of exercise and eat healthy. Just like adults, we come in all shapes and sizes. By chubby, I certainly do not mean obese (although the actual BMI calculators may not agree with me). I know several children who are extremely active and eat well but are still 5-10 lbs over their recommended weight.

We have 2 DDs. The are both extremely active. Our oldest eats healthy and is thin. Her actual weight surprises most people b/c she is a competitive athlete with barely an ounce of fat on her body. She weighs much more than a thin child with little muscle would.

Our 2nd DD is an average eater. We make sure she eats a well rounded diet but she is prone to put on weight especially before a growth spurt. She averages a minimum of 1-1.5 hours a day of physical activity. Right now you would call her average weight but over the summer she definitely had a belly. This is just how she is built. Now if she did not get all of this exercise she would be over weight but I surely would not deprive her of food.

In our house we focus on healthy, not thin. If you are eating well and active you are healthy no matter what the scale says.

 

[Angelhalo]

I have a weight problem. My DD8 has a weight problem. From birth she was bigger than her twin. A pound bigger at birth. 10 pounds bigger by 1 yr. 20 pounds by 4. She remains 20 pounds bigger. They're given the same food. If anything, she eats more fruits and vegetables than he does. I've lost weight and we work hard to have healthy meals and snacks in the house. My kids are enrolled in Tae kwon Do, swimming and play outside. DD has recently been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and is beginning treatment.


But you know what? None of that is your business. You have no clue what kind of things are going on at another person's home. You have no idea what those parents are doing to help or hurt that child. Just as I don't know if your (presumably) thin child is nurtured and loved in your home, or degraded and abused. I don't know if you work hard to provide your child with educational opportunities or are guilty of educational neglect. I don't know if you're raising a cultured, open-minded individual or if you are raising (by example) a foul mouthed bigot.

Just because you see a fat kid doesn't mean you know the whole story. I can't look at your kid and automatically know what kind of parent you are either. It's none of my business and none of your business. Save your anger and pity please.

I think you need to take a deep breath and step away from the keyboard. The OP and others have stated that they are talking about little kids who are morbidly obese not a few pounds overweight. The ones with GIANT rolls all over their bodies as you see them walking through the store cramming candy bars in their faces.

Take a breath, go back and read. You are talking about something completely different than the other posters, not to mention that it has been mentioned that the complaints of the OBESE children are aware that some people have health issues but a few pounds overweight, chunky or even very very heavy due to a medical issue is not what people are discussing here.

 

[Angelhalo]

I know all about the nationwide obesity problem and I am not dismissing it, but please be aware that things are not always as they seem. I know a girl in the same grade as my son who was very "overweight" from kindergarten on. She has difficulty walking as well and people were quick to assume it was just a matter of bad eating habits. What they couldn't see was that she had been a kidney transplant patient at a very young age and had been on drugs that, while they wrecked her metabolism, kept her alive. Don't be too quick to judge...

Again, the possibility of health issues was mentioned. Don't be so quick to assume that it isn't taken into consideration.

What I find maddening is the morbidly obese kids shoving french fries and candy bars down their gullets. SOMEONE had to purchase them for them or allow them to purchase them. I think this is the kind of thing the OP was talking about.

 

[SpecialK]

I have a weight problem. My DD8 has a weight problem. From birth she was bigger than her twin. A pound bigger at birth. 10 pounds bigger by 1 yr. 20 pounds by 4. She remains 20 pounds bigger. They're given the same food. If anything, she eats more fruits and vegetables than he does. I've lost weight and we work hard to have healthy meals and snacks in the house. My kids are enrolled in Tae kwon Do, swimming and play outside. DD has recently been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and is beginning treatment.


But you know what? None of that is your business. You have no clue what kind of things are going on at another person's home. You have no idea what those parents are doing to help or hurt that child. Just as I don't know if your (presumably) thin child is nurtured and loved in your home, or degraded and abused. I don't know if you work hard to provide your child with educational opportunities or are guilty of educational neglect. I don't know if you're raising a cultured, open-minded individual or if you are raising (by example) a foul mouthed bigot.

Just because you see a fat kid doesn't mean you know the whole story. I can't look at your kid and automatically know what kind of parent you are either. It's none of my business and none of your business. Save your anger and pity please.

Well said!

 

[MrsKreamer]

I have a weight problem. My DD8 has a weight problem. From birth she was bigger than her twin. A pound bigger at birth. 10 pounds bigger by 1 yr. 20 pounds by 4. She remains 20 pounds bigger. They're given the same food. If anything, she eats more fruits and vegetables than he does. I've lost weight and we work hard to have healthy meals and snacks in the house. My kids are enrolled in Tae kwon Do, swimming and play outside. DD has recently been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and is beginning treatment.


But you know what? None of that is your business. You have no clue what kind of things are going on at another person's home. You have no idea what those parents are doing to help or hurt that child. Just as I don't know if your (presumably) thin child is nurtured and loved in your home, or degraded and abused. I don't know if you work hard to provide your child with educational opportunities or are guilty of educational neglect. I don't know if you're raising a cultured, open-minded individual or if you are raising (by example) a foul mouthed bigot.

Just because you see a fat kid doesn't mean you know the whole story. I can't look at your kid and automatically know what kind of parent you are either. It's none of my business and none of your business. Save your anger and pity please.

My kids are similar to what you describe.

I have a 2y/o and 4 y/o boys. They were the exact same weight at birth and the older DS was an inch taller. They weigh the same today(even though they are 2 years apart). My oldest can eat anything(and usually will) and still looks like I never feed him(my mother is constantly offering him food ). My 2 year old is mostly muscle with a little chub still on his bottom and he still has the chubby baby face. He is going through a phase right now where he only wants to eat certain grains(oatmeal, fiber rich cereals) and tons of carbs (noodles, pizza, bread, etc). I offer them the same foods at every meal. While I am the one who shops and cooks, they choose what to eat and not to eat off of their plate.

I can just see them in the future...one skinny, lanky teenager, and one linebacker...

 

[maryisme]

I have a weight problem. My DD8 has a weight problem. From birth she was bigger than her twin. A pound bigger at birth. 10 pounds bigger by 1 yr. 20 pounds by 4. She remains 20 pounds bigger. They're given the same food. If anything, she eats more fruits and vegetables than he does. I've lost weight and we work hard to have healthy meals and snacks in the house. My kids are enrolled in Tae kwon Do, swimming and play outside. DD has recently been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and is beginning treatment.


But you know what? None of that is your business. You have no clue what kind of things are going on at another person's home. You have no idea what those parents are doing to help or hurt that child. Just as I don't know if your (presumably) thin child is nurtured and loved in your home, or degraded and abused. I don't know if you work hard to provide your child with educational opportunities or are guilty of educational neglect. I don't know if you're raising a cultured, open-minded individual or if you are raising (by example) a foul mouthed bigot.

Just because you see a fat kid doesn't mean you know the whole story. I can't look at your kid and automatically know what kind of parent you are either. It's none of my business and none of your business. Save your anger and pity please.

Great post. For what its worth, my thoughts exactly.

 

[mkingdomlvr]

Again, the possibility of health issues was mentioned. Don't be so quick to assume that it isn't taken into consideration.

What I find maddening is the morbidly obese kids shoving french fries and candy bars down their gullets. SOMEONE had to purchase them for them or allow them to purchase them. I think this is the kind of thing the OP was talking about.

And that is what I was talking about-parents and kids who are chubby because of what's in that shopping cart. Candy, snack cakes, sugary cereals and little or no fresh produce.

I try not to make judgments without direct evidence, but when you see that cart being pushed by a chubby parent and the chubby kid is along side eating the candy right out of the bag it's pretty hard not to come to the obvious conclusion.

 

[shelly3girls]

I know all about the nationwide obesity problem and I am not dismissing it, but please be aware that things are not always as they seem. I know a girl in the same grade as my son who was very "overweight" from kindergarten on. She has difficulty walking as well and people were quick to assume it was just a matter of bad eating habits. What they couldn't see was that she had been a kidney transplant patient at a very young age and had been on drugs that, while they wrecked her metabolism, kept her alive. Don't be too quick to judge...

I would never judge a child or a parent for their size. You are right, I have no idea what the situation is. Even knowing that though, I think we all would agree that there is an obesity epidemic in this country and a large part of it is due to parents who do not teach their children proper eating and exercise habits. I feel terrible for children who are over weight no matter what the reason.

I can say though that in my experience the cause of the obesity plays a major roll in the child's self image. I mean that the obese children who I know who are active and eat well tend to have a much better self image than those who do not exercise and eat junk all of the time. I personally think that feeling fit no matter what your weight makes a big difference. I do not personally know any children who are obese due to a medical condition but I am sure there are many struggles that go along with it.

 

[MrsKreamer]

I also recently read a study that linked childhood obesity to the lack of sleep in our children. It said something like-children 6 and under need at least 12-16 hours of combined sleep(naps and nightime) a day and children 6-12 needed at least 10-12 hours a day. It said that sleep regulates the metabolism.

People think I am strange for making my kids sleep as much as they do, but I find they stay healthy and are less prone to temper tantrums if they get 12-14 hours sleep per day.

 

[HunnyPots]

Again, the possibility of health issues was mentioned. Don't be so quick to assume that it isn't taken into consideration.

What I find maddening is the morbidly obese kids shoving french fries and candy bars down their gullets. SOMEONE had to purchase them for them or allow them to purchase them. I think this is the kind of thing the OP was talking about.

I was referring to this line in the OP:

I saw this mom in Walmart today with her daughter, who was a beautiful little girl. She was probobly 6 years old. She was obese. Very large, could hardly walk.

The OP was assuming this child was obese due to poor eating habits when she has no idea what her situation is.

 

[allison443]

People think I am strange for making my kids sleep as much as they do, but I find they stay healthy and are less prone to temper tantrums if they get 12-14 hours sleep per day.

I'm just curious (not criticizing!) how old are your kids that get 14 hours of sleep per day? Is that straight through or maybe it includes naps.

 

[ThreeMusketeers]

Thank you to those of you can appreciate the point I was trying to get across with this thread. B/c I think it is such an important issue.

This is not about "thin" vs. "fat" it's about health.

If you feed your child healthy foods and for whatever reason they are a bit larger.

That is just nature.

But if you feed your child junk on top of healthy on top of junk and that said child gets so big they can't hardly walk. Or they become "obese" You are putting their health at risk and you (the parent) need to be held responsiable for that.

That's just the truth.


And I don't want to go overboard here.

I have nothing against "fat" people or overweight people. I myself could stand to lose a few. I know how hard it is to stop eating and get things straight as i have said, i have struggled with it my whole life. I am talking about morbidly obese or obese children. The one's that don't have a choice.
But as a parent, i can't see feeding your kids junk and watching them get fat and unhealthy. It's just NOT RIGHT.
If I am a grown woman and I want to endanger my own health and eat crap..then I can CHOOSE to do so. But I at least have that choice.