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Original poster

How do I approach the subject of an overweight mindee?

54 replies

TheBreastmilksOnMe · 13/05/2010 12:48

And do I?

I have a 20mths old girl I care for 3 days a week (same age as my DS) and I have concerns about her weight. She is very heavy, solid, and although the same height as my Ds, weighs much more than him and doesn't fit into the same age clothes.

Her mother and father are on the large side, mother moreso so I expect it's only natural that she may have weight problems too.

How do I go about this? I feel as though I should say something, tactfully, but I don't know how, or even if I should. I feel it's unfair on the little girl and it is easier to sort it out sooner rather than later.

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BoysAreLikeDogs · 13/05/2010 13:53

Best not to say anything

We CMs already build lots of fresh air and active play into each day, and the healthy eating thing that we are supposed to adhere to works in the child's favour

You are lovely to be concerned

AndieWalsh · 13/05/2010 13:53

I really wouldnt say anything at all. My DS was a big, chunky baby but has slimmed down to an absolute whippet of a thing as he has stretched out and become more active. My DD is a chubby baby who loves her milk and grub, but I have no doubt she will also slim down as she gets older. Be cautious.

belgo · 13/05/2010 13:51

I don't think you should say anything, unless they bring it up themselves.

dobby2001 · 13/05/2010 13:48

I would be very very careful how you approach this if at all. I know many solidly build babies that are much less solid once they start running around a bit and burning off energy. have you seen her Red book? Do you know how she rates on the centile chart?

My DD has always been between the 91st and 98th percentile and in certain clothing looks downright chunky. But when seen at hospital last week we were specifically told she is healthy for her percentiles.
I mention this because only 2% of children her age would be bigger than her so she really stands out in her class - she was a seriously chunky baby so you might have thought she was overweight too; and had you said something to me I would have been devastated.

If you are providing healthy meals when the child is with you and promoting helathy lifestyles in your practice then that is a good model the parents can adopt if they need advice.

Not trying to sound preachy, just not wanting you to offend any parents