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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

People commenting on my 6 YO DD weight?

341 replies

mumspiration1997 · 29/05/2024 20:09

I've had 3 different family members commenting on my daughters weight this week. "She's really filled out" "you should watch what she's eating" etc etc . Possibly from a place of concern as they wouldn't be people to be obviously nasty. For context she's 4 stone and average height. Is this a problem? She's a great appetite and an active girl who definitely loves a wee treat but big deal. I'm 9 stone and very active myself so it's not like I'm purposely just laying around setting bad examples. Perhaps maybe I should be making her eat healthier but I mean she eats fruit and ham sandwiches and chicken nuggets and mash and veg and the takeout with the whole family om a sat McDonald's etc. Big deal??!!! She's 6 I was just grateful she has a good appetite. Aibu???? Or r they???

OP posts:
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Niceplaces · 30/05/2024 09:28

MaryMaryVeryContrary · 29/05/2024 20:26

Exercise has very little impact on weight. Diet is the key factor. ‘Running around all day’ won’t work if they’re eating too much or the wrong food.

Well, yes you can still overeat if you are active sure, but active people do still need to eat more than inactive people.
You would need to eat more food to gain weight if you were active, than you would to gain weight if you were inactive.

Upping activity levels is a good way to lose weight alongside reducing food intake, and being active has a whole range of other health benefits, mentally and physically, than reducing food intake does.

Otherstories2002 · 30/05/2024 09:29

Mchill79 · 30/05/2024 09:22

He isn’t overweight at all. He is very tall and well within the healthy weight range. This post is meant to help educate so saying rubbish like this isn’t helping.

He’s on the 67th centile - he’s getting there and whilst your post might be intended to educate you’re ignoring that the OPs child is on the cusp of obese. It’s totally inappropriate to water that down.

Cantdoitallperfectly · 30/05/2024 09:30

My DD was 125cm and 3s 9lb aged 6 + 4 months. (I’ve kept a log!)
She has had times where she has looked a bit more heavy then had a growth spurt and it levelled out.
unfortunately recently, due to going out with friends etc, she’s gained quite a bit of weight and she seems to have stopped growing, she is now 12 and is what I would describe as “stocky”. I don’t want to say anything as I know how these things affect young girls but at the same time I worry about the junk food eaten when I’m not around to monitor.

we have had numerous conversations about making the healthier choice, managing sugar for dental health but she continues to buy the sausage rolls, pizza slice, cream bun.

As parents we can only do so much once they reach a certain age but I would say that you’re the one in control right now and it’s a good chance to educate your DD about making healthy choices.

CelesteCunningham · 30/05/2024 09:30

notacooldad · 30/05/2024 09:07

I absolutely won't and im going to use the dentist as an excuse
Dont blame the dentist and use that as an excuse.
Just reduce your intake and if any questions are asked you can talk about health then. Don't blame someone else.

The dentist is a great idea. Unless they're utterly clueless, when OP pointedly says "and are sweets and juice good for our teeth?" the dentist will do the needful and agree with mum that those things are bad for teeth and should be eaten rarely. Then when OP is getting the message across at home she has an authority figure to reinforce the message - we all know that 6yos believe everything their teacher says and nothing their parents say!

Mchill79 · 30/05/2024 09:31

Otherstories2002 · 30/05/2024 09:29

He’s on the 67th centile - he’s getting there and whilst your post might be intended to educate you’re ignoring that the OPs child is on the cusp of obese. It’s totally inappropriate to water that down.

I’m not ignoring the OP. She is aware and said she will make changes. It’s the random other comments based on nothing that I think are pointless. 67th isn’t on the way to over 90. Don’t be ridiculous

FluffyDiplodocus · 30/05/2024 09:33

Yeah it sounds like it needs to be a more balanced diet. Croissants or pancakes for breakfast should be a special occasion type thing IMO, and after school snacks should be less sugary - and supper isn’t needed!

I have an 8yo and a 6yo, most days in term time they have:

Breakfast - cereal with milk
Lunch - sandwich, some veg, some fruit, little soreen bar
Snack - 3x crackers
Dinner - Something like pasta with sausages and veg or veggie burgers, chips and salad
Pudding - fruit or a treat like an ice cream depending on the day and what they’ve already had, if we had an afternoon at the park and went for an ice cream it will just be fruit on the menu!

We do McDonalds around once a school holiday as a treat. I try to give my reasoning when I say no to foods, eg this morning we’re doing some jobs in town and the kids have already suggested Costa. I’ve said “ooh yes you can share a panini from there for lunch, but I’ll be saying no to a cake because we’re going to make cupcakes this afternoon for our guests tomorrow and obviously you’ll want one when they’re done - and two cakes in one day is a bit much isn’t it?” I realise this is quite a sugary example of a day, school holidays are always a bit off piste! It’s easier being in the school routine.

Otherstories2002 · 30/05/2024 09:38

Mchill79 · 30/05/2024 09:31

I’m not ignoring the OP. She is aware and said she will make changes. It’s the random other comments based on nothing that I think are pointless. 67th isn’t on the way to over 90. Don’t be ridiculous

the calculation you’re using is based on the average child, the fatter kids get the higher the threshold is. Don’t kid yourself that he’s going to “correct” that 67th centile. Reality is he’s in the heavier group and most kids his age and height weight less than him. That will catch up with him.

The only comments that are inappropriate are those normalising obesity and suggesting the dentist is the solution.

Otherstories2002 · 30/05/2024 09:39

CelesteCunningham · 30/05/2024 09:30

The dentist is a great idea. Unless they're utterly clueless, when OP pointedly says "and are sweets and juice good for our teeth?" the dentist will do the needful and agree with mum that those things are bad for teeth and should be eaten rarely. Then when OP is getting the message across at home she has an authority figure to reinforce the message - we all know that 6yos believe everything their teacher says and nothing their parents say!

how about MUM is the authority figure and taking responsibility for their child’s diet?

Hemakesmesmile2 · 30/05/2024 09:40

Hemakesmesmile2 · 30/05/2024 09:26

My 11 year old son is 5 stone.

I meant 6 stone sorry! 🙈 I have two sons who love to eat (eldest definitely eating more recently as he’s going through puberty)but I’ve always been quite aware of them eating healthy (often berated for it when they were much younger, incredibly 🙄) I have a rule of no sweets during the week and I have a limit on the crap food I allow-after that it’s fruit and veg. Luckily both my kids love fruit and veg (starting them young helped hugely) they’ve only had McDonald’s twice this year (one was with extended family) and they are pretty active too which helps. Youngest is slender and tall for his age, 11 yo has gone from skinny to average which I think means he’s going to have yet another growth spurt soon!) I’ve found not buying as much junk food and not having it in the house helps. Also I agree with others about how bad UPF is (not criticising at all, we still eat it, I just try to drown it out with the healthy stuff instead). Regarding your 9mo twins-please know that you’re not being cruel just giving them water instead of juice. I was constantly told this 🙄 my sons both love water whereas many friends will only drink juice (because they’ve had it from being a baby/toddler).

CerealPonderer · 30/05/2024 09:41

young children should not weight half that of a fully grown adult

Don't be so ridiculous @Otherstories2002. Totally standard and normal for a child to weigh half an adult's weight.

My 7 year old is 5 stone 4 and a healthy weight for his height.

His dad is 6 foot 2 and his teenage brothers are 6'4 and 6' at ages 16 and 14. I think it's safe to say he was never going to be a borrower. Shall I maybe ask him to stop growing?

Just to blow your mind a little more - did you know that children usually reach half their adult height by their second birthday? 2 year olds being half the height of a full grown adult, the cheek right? 😂

Seagrassbasket · 30/05/2024 09:43

I haven’t read the whole thread so sorry if this has been mentioned, but you are better off with whole fat yogurt - I keep seeing PP’s mentioning low sugar yoghurt. Just get whole fat Greek yoghurt and give her berries with it. More nutritional value.

Concentrate on whole unprocessed foods as much as possible and yes reduce the sugar as much as you can.

It must be really hard at the moment so also be kind to yourself! Take one step at a time. Good luck!

Otherstories2002 · 30/05/2024 09:45

CerealPonderer · 30/05/2024 09:41

young children should not weight half that of a fully grown adult

Don't be so ridiculous @Otherstories2002. Totally standard and normal for a child to weigh half an adult's weight.

My 7 year old is 5 stone 4 and a healthy weight for his height.

His dad is 6 foot 2 and his teenage brothers are 6'4 and 6' at ages 16 and 14. I think it's safe to say he was never going to be a borrower. Shall I maybe ask him to stop growing?

Just to blow your mind a little more - did you know that children usually reach half their adult height by their second birthday? 2 year olds being half the height of a full grown adult, the cheek right? 😂

Oh he’s not. You keep telling yourself that though.

height and weight are completely different. But again, tell yourself they aren’t.

brogueish · 30/05/2024 09:46

Just wanted to say thank you to all the helpful and non judgey posters on this thread. Really helpful and has made me think. Thanks OP for starting the thread.

SoTiredNeedHoliday · 30/05/2024 09:48

Otherstories2002 · 30/05/2024 09:39

how about MUM is the authority figure and taking responsibility for their child’s diet?

I think using the dentist as a reason to reassess the dietary choices is a really good idea. It means that choices can be adjusted without having to talk about weight or appearances to a child and I think that is best avoided.

It is not blaming the dentist it's seeking advice from a professional and then following the advice of the professional. That is a lot safer than discussing weight and appearance with a child, which can affect their confidence and their self-esteem not to mention that eating disorders are rife and starting younger and younger

Also, the OP is not a professional she is a mum trying to do the best for her children so it is very reasonable that she use this route to help her DD

CelesteCunningham · 30/05/2024 09:50

Otherstories2002 · 30/05/2024 09:39

how about MUM is the authority figure and taking responsibility for their child’s diet?

But in the real world, children listen to authority figures. If you've had a child this age you'll know that.

"It's important to eat healthy food" and "It's important to eat healthy food - remember what the dentist said about keeping your teeth healthy" - one of those will work better on most 6yos than the other.

It won't change the food that OP is offering, but it might reduce the whining somewhat.

CelesteCunningham · 30/05/2024 09:52

Otherstories2002 · 30/05/2024 09:38

the calculation you’re using is based on the average child, the fatter kids get the higher the threshold is. Don’t kid yourself that he’s going to “correct” that 67th centile. Reality is he’s in the heavier group and most kids his age and height weight less than him. That will catch up with him.

The only comments that are inappropriate are those normalising obesity and suggesting the dentist is the solution.

The PP's child is in the healthy range. And it's called a healthy range rather than a healthy weight for a reason - there isn't just one number that's ok.

Your comments here aren't coming across in a balanced way at all. If you have issues around weight it might be best to step away for your own sake.

Greengrapeofhome · 30/05/2024 09:57

Otherstories2002 · 30/05/2024 09:19

Your 7 year old is also overweight.

You can say it’s not relevant but young children should not weight half that of a fully grown adult.

Your comment makes no sense. My mum is a fully grown adult and 8.5 stone. She is not underweight, she’s just tiny in height and build. My 8 year old is 4 stone 7 and on the 47th percentile so bang on for her weight but obviously weights more than half her grandmothers weight. Both of them are in the normal range for their weight.

Otherstories2002 · 30/05/2024 09:57

SoTiredNeedHoliday · 30/05/2024 09:48

I think using the dentist as a reason to reassess the dietary choices is a really good idea. It means that choices can be adjusted without having to talk about weight or appearances to a child and I think that is best avoided.

It is not blaming the dentist it's seeking advice from a professional and then following the advice of the professional. That is a lot safer than discussing weight and appearance with a child, which can affect their confidence and their self-esteem not to mention that eating disorders are rife and starting younger and younger

Also, the OP is not a professional she is a mum trying to do the best for her children so it is very reasonable that she use this route to help her DD

There doesn’t need to be a conversation, you swap stuff out and model a healthy diet. It’s what should have been happening for the entire time.

Otherstories2002 · 30/05/2024 09:59

CelesteCunningham · 30/05/2024 09:52

The PP's child is in the healthy range. And it's called a healthy range rather than a healthy weight for a reason - there isn't just one number that's ok.

Your comments here aren't coming across in a balanced way at all. If you have issues around weight it might be best to step away for your own sake.

I have issues with my weight because I don’t think it’s appropriate to water down the issue of the OPs child? Sure ok. 😂

notacooldad · 30/05/2024 10:00

I absolutely won't and im going to use the dentist as an excuse
Dont blame the dentist and use that as an excuse

Just reduce your intake and if any questions are asked you can talk about health then. Don't blame someone else.
The dentist is a great idea. Unless they're utterly clueless, when OP pointedly says "and are sweets and juice good for our teeth?" the dentist will do the needful and agree with mum that those things are bad for teeth and should be eaten rarely. Then when OP is getting the message across at home she has an authority figure to reinforce the message - we all know that 6yos believe everything their teacher says and nothing their parents say!*

While I do agree to a point the Op went straight to pinning an excuse on some one else. Who is she going to blame for over feeding the child with crap?

All the information about processed food isn't new. It's been out there for years so there is no one to blame for poor nutrition.

Personally I think the op just needs to put past mistakes around food behind her, not be offended about people mentioning weight and have a fresh start with the families dietary needs. There's no need to have a puritan lifestyle but a lot of positive changes can be made simply and quickly.

drspouse · 30/05/2024 10:07

AnneLovesGilbert · 29/05/2024 20:49

I think this is very common. Have you ever heard of a parent who when told after the Reception test health checks that their child is overweight agrees and decides to tackle it?

The two friends I know who’ve had that letter were livid and extremely defensive. “Big bones”, “there’s nothing to her”, “what do they know anyway”, “he’s due a growth spurt”, “all kids have bellies” etc etc.

Together with the favourites "but he can eat an adult portion" and "you just can't fill him up, he must need it".
And then I see my DCs classmates off for an outing with school or going to the cinema with a huge carrier bag EACH of sweets and crisps.
No, 6 year olds (and indeed most 10 year olds) don't need adult portions, a sharing bag is meant to be shared between adults, and giving large portions (and insisting on finishing them) is how DH and I ended up overweight while my DCs will eat till they are full and then stop - except for DD with sweets, which is why we are restricting them to one day a week, as pudding (the latter as per the dentist too!).

CerealPonderer · 30/05/2024 10:11

Oh he’s not. You keep telling yourself that though

I'm not 'telling myself' that @Otherstories2002 . The NHS is telling me. Plus the fact he wears clothes in the correct size for him (for his height) from multiple stores, with plenty of room to spare in them. And of course, visually and fitness wise.

I have two other sons, now teenagers, who have tracked a similar weight centile all their lives to ds3 (circa 75th-80th centile, always within a healthy range). They are both slim, rather broad-shouldered and 6-foot plus now they're adult-size. Not an ounce of excess fat anywhere on them, they're in peak physical condition. I expect the same from dc3.

I've no doubt that there will be other 6ft 4 16 years olds that weigh far less than ds1 - those that are tall but have a far smaller frame and lower muscles mass. That's not better, just different.

There's a wide range of 'healthy weight' for a very good reason. Marking everyone above the 50th centile as 'on their way to obesity' is ludicrous and it's quite clear that you haven't even the faintest idea of how centiles work.

Pickledpopcorn · 30/05/2024 10:12

The nhs bmi calculator doesn’t work for my dc. Up till about 5 they are quite short for their age but really heavy . It’s accurate from about age 6/7 once they’ve had their growth spurt so we just disregard it

Runsyd · 30/05/2024 10:14

Her diet is terrible.

Beautiful3 · 30/05/2024 10:14

Can you see her ribs or does she have a large round plump tummy? If she has a large round tummy, just cut down her portion sizes, stop the junk food and buy her a hula hoop and skipping rope. She can hula hoop while watching TV and skip outside.