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Original poster

Son upset about weight gain

135 replies

funny34 · 15/02/2021 13:18

Hi all,

With the lockdown ever present, I have started to get dressed (after weeks of staying in pyjamas/loungewear) even though we are not allowed out. I have also started to encourage my kids and DH to do the same. This has helped to put me in a more positive mood.

However, my son, 14, decides that he doesn't want to get dressed. I explained to him that it may boost his mood as if you stay in pyjamas etc it makes you feel lazier. I asked him why he wouldn't get changed and he said he was happy in his pyjamas. So I decided that rather than argue, it would be easier to just let him stay in the pyjamas.

DH and I went shopping and managed to get the kids to come in the car for a drive, only to the supermarket and back home again, as opposed to them staying in watching tv/playing on games. Once again DS wouldn't get dressed.

So when we came back, I sat down with DS and asked him why he wouldn't get dressed. His tshirts, jumpers etc all fitted but when he put on his jeans, he couldn't button them up. I explained to him that we are all in the same situation and not to worry. He said I'm getting fat and I want to fit back in my clothes. I said to him that he was growing and would need bigger sizes soon anyway. However, he has now decided that he is going to start exercising more and eating healthier.

Should I be worried or should I monitor what he does?

OP posts:
Oblahdeeoblahdoe · 17/02/2021 19:21

I think it's great that he wants to be a healthy weight and that you're supporting him. Truthfully a walk isn't going to cut it for a 14 year old. He needs to do a cardio workout like running, fast cycling or even a game of footy with his siblings/you. I'd also be careful with the snacks you mentioned, they are quite calorific. I don't know what calories etc a 14 year old needs but you could look this up. Maybe download the Nutracheck app and complete it yourself rather than him getting hung up about it. It will guide your choices for his food. Hopefully he'll be back at school soon so could be more active there. Good luck.

Original poster
funny34 · 17/02/2021 19:55

@Oblahdeeoblahdoe

I think it's great that he wants to be a healthy weight and that you're supporting him. Truthfully a walk isn't going to cut it for a 14 year old. He needs to do a cardio workout like running, fast cycling or even a game of footy with his siblings/you. I'd also be careful with the snacks you mentioned, they are quite calorific. I don't know what calories etc a 14 year old needs but you could look this up. Maybe download the Nutracheck app and complete it yourself rather than him getting hung up about it. It will guide your choices for his food. Hopefully he'll be back at school soon so could be more active there. Good luck.
I know a walk isn't probably the best or most strenuous activity, but its better than sitting in the house as we have been for most days. I am going to chat with DS later about some potential exercise activities that he wants to do.

I think when he is at school he is more active so is likely to burn off what he eats. I haven't mentioned to him about BMI or how much he weighs (though I suspect he has been on the scales, not long after trying on his clothes). I have spoke to him about eating healthily so that it fuels him for his activity (in today's case, walking). I also explained how exercise can help to de stress after doing lots of school work online.

OP posts:
Original poster
funny34 · 17/02/2021 20:12

@CovoidOfAllHumanity

My teens have started to spend all day in PJs and refuse to go out too. It's hard to force them. A daily walk around a suburban housing estate just isn't very appealing to me or to them especially after homeschool when it's dark and cold.

My solution is indoor workouts and a long walk somewhere more inspiring at the weekend (but we have to drive for that so it's basically get judged either way really)

We have got a door pull up bar, some yoga mats, exercise bands and kettlebells and it's easier to get
them motivated for some HIT or yoga workouts indoors than going out on a day to day basis.

I'd suggest maybe ask your son if he'd like you to buy him some equipment and get into doing some body weight/ HITT workouts. I bet he'd see results quickly and find it really motivating.

Working out indoors is something that DS could do daily. That way, even if it is raining etc outside, he can still workout.

It sounds like you've got a lot of gym equipment, which is good. I might have to look into buying some if DS is interested. Maybe ebay or other sites may have some items that are an affordable price. I'm not familiar with HITT workouts. So thats something to research for me :)

I think its because he's been sat at home, whereas in school they move about a lot. So any excess calories consumed are burned off. I'm thinking he may grow some more, as well as puberty setting in.

OP posts:
Motivateinmotion · 17/02/2021 21:00

Search HIIT videos on YouTube there is loss of free stuff. Joe Wicks has some great videos too and beginner ones so you can build up to HIIT. You don’t need lots of equipment so don’t jump in to anything yet. Where weights are required for example start off with small water bottles then build up to 2L ones for example. Or if you’ve a space where he can skip that’s a great way to get fit and quite interesting for teens - if he has TikTok there are likely to be videos on there if people who have learnt tricks and all sorts. Keeps it fun.

Motivateinmotion · 17/02/2021 21:02

Lots of for examples there. Teach me to proof read Blush

Original poster
funny34 · 18/02/2021 10:08

@Motivateinmotion

Search HIIT videos on YouTube there is loss of free stuff. Joe Wicks has some great videos too and beginner ones so you can build up to HIIT. You don’t need lots of equipment so don’t jump in to anything yet. Where weights are required for example start off with small water bottles then build up to 2L ones for example. Or if you’ve a space where he can skip that’s a great way to get fit and quite interesting for teens - if he has TikTok there are likely to be videos on there if people who have learnt tricks and all sorts. Keeps it fun.
We did a HIIT video this morning. It was hard, but fun.
OP posts:
RootyT00t · 18/02/2021 10:11

@araiwa

Why would you worry about him eating healthier and exercising more? Confused
She's worried about her child thinking he's fat.
CovoidOfAllHumanity · 18/02/2021 10:15

That's really good.

The thing we like about HIIT is that you get a good workout in a short time and you don't need to faff about getting boots and coats and hats etc.

If you do that about 3x a week I bet you will both see the difference. It's really motivating when you realise you are finding things easy that previously were hard.

Original poster
funny34 · 18/02/2021 14:50

@CovoidOfAllHumanity

That's really good.

The thing we like about HIIT is that you get a good workout in a short time and you don't need to faff about getting boots and coats and hats etc.

If you do that about 3x a week I bet you will both see the difference. It's really motivating when you realise you are finding things easy that previously were hard.

Thank you :)

Yes we all did it together. Very hard work. But was a good workout.

We are planning on doing more activities.

OP posts:
Original poster
funny34 · 18/02/2021 15:47

@RootyT00t yes I am. Thank you :)

OP posts:
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