Talking to kids about weight loss

[Bearspears]

I'm doing MyFitnessPal and this obviously means I can't join in with the family treats and puddings. I don't draw attention to it and often will have a small portion of whatever they are having.

My DD7 has realised I'm eating less than everyone else and has asked me a couple of times about it. I explained that adults sometimes need to be a bit healthier so can't always have puddings. I'm not sure that was the best answer!

Any thoughts or advice gratefully received as I want to try and be honest with her without giving her a complex about weight and food etc.

Thank you.

Your child is 7 and you are eating leas than her? I’d wonder if you’re feeding your daughter too much if you’re eating less than a 7 year old.

Thanks for the response. Sorry, I probably wasn't clear. I eat bigger main meals but have stopped eating puddings at the moment as I'm try to lose weight. If I do have a pudding it will be a tiny amount. She doesn't eat more than me overall.

Its good to teach children that too much sugary and unhealthy food is bad for people. Not just adult but kids too.
It’s bad for your teeth and is unhealthy is not a bad message for kids.

I understand the challenge OP I eat very differently to my DC. I have lost 8 stone and I dont eat any form of sugar etc and my ds1 has asked me about it. I've used a similar explanation as well as some child centric phrases about the science.

I am careful to talk in terms of health rather than weight. I really don't like any reference to weight loss for children because I honestly think its unhealthy for children to be concerned about it, health yes, weight no.

I think you are already doing the right thing

I tell mine that I’ve finished growing now, so I don’t need as much food.

I think it's fine to tell your kids that you're trying to be healthy and eat less sugar. I wouldn't say I'm trying to lose weight though.

Thanks both, that's really helpful. And well done on losing so much weight @Shinyletsbebadguys!

That's a great way of putting it @hopeclearwater

Agree, I always use the term 'happy and healthy' with my DD.
DH had recently lost some weight she we've talked about being more healthy than trying to focus on weight.

Well done OP, keep it up!

Thank you!

I find this tricky. I lost a chunk of weight when the kids were little (5 stone) but they didn't notice.

Have gained about 1.5 back and am trying to lose that. They are 10 now so much more aware. We've always framed food and weight in light of being strong and healthy. Too much sugar is bad for teeth and how your body works inside etc and outsides don't matter. So I've said I need to move a bit of weight because I have to protect my health.

It sort of helps that I'm the pudgy one in the house and they are like their paternal side who are tall and skinny so I do look different. I am not sporty, they are. So they get people are made differently and have to look after themselves in different ways.