An obese or overweight child is overeating and you are using food as a reward at times, let's talk and get rid of the overeating problem, we can.
Is your child starting to become an overeater? This could be serious if he is contantly eating and never seems to be satisfied. Sure, children go through a period of growing fast, called growth spurts, and seem not to get filled up, but they need to have choices and be eating healthy: that is part of being a parent to give them these choices.
Have you ever eating fast food and then been hungry an hour later? Healthy food makes the difference: your stomach is more apt to be happy than to want more fast food or junk food.
Has this overeating caused your child to gain weight? Then you will certainly have to change his behavior as he could eat this way the rest of his life and have major serious health probems as an adult. Don't tell him he needs to go on a diet, sit down with him and explain nutrition, tell him
you expect him to make healthy choices. Try not to make a big issue of this, don't demand, yell, or argue, just tell him what other choices are available and give him those other choices at home. Have healthy snacks such as fruits, raisins, nuts, etc. available, bring less chips and other
junk foods into the home, make his home healthy.
It make take making changes in the food you cook: get out some healthy cookbooks and make the choices. Do a little research on proper nutrition for each age of the child in your home and also of the adults.
Please don't use food as a reward: say he cleans his room, then you say 'Well, you can have a bowl of ice cream now': you will reget paying him in fattening and unhealthy treats: never do this. Even during the holidays limit those food treats.
Now you will have to set the example: you won't be able to sit and watch television with a bag of chocolates. You'll need to have the healthy alternative such as fruit, carrots, and healthy baked goodies.
Of course if you have not noticed until now and your child is overweight enough to the point that you need outside help, make an appointment with your local doctor who hopefully knows the child, and discuss options. If he needs to lose a few pounds then the doctor or his dietitan can help you to make wise decisions on healthy food.
