Do boys (11ish) go through a chubby stage before they shoot up?

[maria1665]

DS has put on weight since starting secondary school this year. He has definately got a layer of puppy fat around his middle.

He doesn't like sport, but we manage to get him to karate once a week, plus he walks to and from school. But other than school sports and the occasional swim, that's it.

Should I be worried, or do all lads go through a chubby stage before they shoot up?

I think quite a few do. I would encourage as much activity as possible and wait a while.

He has only got chubby in the last 4 months so I'd give it at least that long to see if he does shoot up.

If by the end of the academic year things aren't righting themselves then may it is time to think about what he is eating.
I would not say ANYTHING at the moment. Just watch and wait a few months and encourage more exercise because it is fun.

How about bycicle rides at the weekend? Does he do much of that with his friends? As the weather improves that is worth encouraging.

Thanks for the reply BB.

DS is massively anti physical activity - including cycling despite DH being a former competative cyclist.

One of the sports teachers shouted at him for being unfit last term, which has made his 'anti' sport position become still more entrenched.

Am currently looking for fencing lessons, as it is the only other sport he's expressed an interest in.

Ah anti-activity is dfficult to deal with.

I do hate sports teachers who shout. Do they really think shouting is going to make someone who is anti-sport, pro instead

I disliked sport at school and that was because I wasn't very good at it so I stuck to what I was good at (i.e. academic stuff).

The problem now is that I am still not good at most sports and I never learned anything well enough to enjoy doing it now.

Somehow you need to get him over the barrier of 'I don't like it". There will probably be things he does like - fencing sounds good if he is interested.

How about dance? It may sound a bit out there but boys who can dance get more girls. He may be a bit young for that yet but that may kick in soon he might like to try some dance classes maybe.

There are some good tips here for encouraging non-sporty children to do sport

www.parenthood.com/article-topics/find_the_right_sport_for_a_child_who_isnt_athletic.html

My DS has started to look a bit chubby around his middle too. He is nearly 10.

I have been thinking its a development thing as I've definitely noticed he's becoming a bit more aware of things iykwim and has the strength of an ox.

He does plenty of sport, everyday att school or after school, but equally has the ability to be a massive couch potato whilst playing on the Wii or watching TV.

He's a definite snacker too and will eat loads. The rest of the family are slim so he kind of stands out, only when he's naked though, although amongst his peers there are all sorts.

I'm prepared to see how it goes for a few months.

He's just given up fencing after 18 months as it was getting quite ££ and he said he wasnt learning much more. I'm not sure it was that energetic but its definitely something in the right direction.

Will be watching this thread with interest.

DS1 has put on a bit of weight round his middle too and is very active, i've noticed his legs looking less stick like also, my baby is growing up!

Oh he's 10 btw.

The parenthood link above is really useful - thanks for that.

One positive note - we have found a karate club with a really excellent leader. Gentle but firm - very different from the macho culture that seems to exist at secondary school.

DS hates going, but is always positive and in a good mood when he comes back, and practices his moves. I am really hoping that will gain momentum. Weight issues aside - sport is just a good thing to do, provided its taught correctly.

I am also looking at one to one tennis coaching - hopefully I can find another positive sports influence.

Other problem is that DD - a year younger but taller and thin as a whip - is mega sporty and every sports teachers favourite.

is he eating loads of crap from the school tuck shop/shops on the way to and from school? that would be my best guess as to why he's put on weight ..

Some do - but they are usually eating a load of crap..

I could have posted this myself - and nearly did this morning!

Ds is in Year 7 too and when he was getting dressed at the weekend I saw this great layer of blubber round his middle. I'm with Riven - it could be puppy fat and he's just about to grow, but I'd be so angry with myself if I let it go now and then he becomes fat and pasty for life.

Ds is awful, awful at PE and games, but walks everywhere. I limit the amount of dinner money I give him, so no tuck shop trips. I think the problem is his portion sizes. He has a big appetite and is very unfussy. He eats everything and anything. I am going to try to sneakily reduce the size of his evening meal. We have already had ructions this week when I announced that there was to be only one after-school biscuit instead of three.

DS1 (12) has put on quite a bit of weight in the last 18 months, despite walking to and from school, playing rugby twice a week, running about at scouts and playing outside a lot. I took him to the GP because I was getting quite concerned, but they checked his height and weight (98th centile for both), checked his diet etc and said that they weren't concerned as long as he doesn't let his diet slip or stop exercising.

I am still quite worried - he doesn't get tuck/lunch money (has packed lunches) and we don't eat crap at home - but DH is quite 'sturdy' so I hope it is just a phase. The maddening thing is that I'm thin and DD only just makes it onto the centile charts.

My DS is only 7, but even if he does get a bit chubby I anticipate being really quite firm on my 'no shooting up' stance.

Good parent, me.