Is Worrying About Your Child’s Weight Something You Should Be Focusing On?
During the pandemic, is worrying about your child’s weight something you should be focusing on? Definitely no. Weight stigma is what really needs your attention..
What is weight stigma, you ask?
It’s defined as the social rejection and devaluation that happens to kids who do not comply with social norms of body weight and shape (aka the "thin ideal").
So basically in our society, if you aren’t tall and thin, you aren’t ideal.
That’s a hard lesson that many kids are introduced to way too early.
It’s so common for parents, family members, healthcare professionals, etc. to make comments about a child's size. But these comments are not only harmful to children, they put unnecessary stress on parents that are trying their best to raise healthy kids.
Unlike the teasing from friends, comments on body size from adults are usually well intentioned. They are also misinformed.
Body diversity is real folks. We all come in different shapes and sizes and it starts at BIRTH. Some kids grow up, some grow out, some grow both ways. Some grow quickly, some grow slowly. . . still, growth can be a huge stress for a lot of parents.
As parents, you need to know that the majority of your child’s weight and height is pre-determined . . yep genetics. Many children, of all ages, tend to follow a growth pattern that involves “rounding out” before they shoot up in height. This is really common for tweens and teens. Kids can gain up to half of their body weight during puberty!
So if you’re worried your child is bigger than they might otherwise be — remember that you’ve never seen your child in this particular stage of growth before.
When you notice your child’s body size changing, stay calm . . and quiet. The American Academy of Pediatrics has actually recommended NOT talking about weight with kids. Other than reassuring your child that weight gain is normal and necessary, zip it!
Remember the whole “thin ideal” thing? If a child or teen is told that their weight is something to “watch” or even “be careful of” . . .they know exactly what that means. To them it means, they aren’t good enough.
As kids and teens become unhappy with their size or shape (whether as the result of direct comments or environmental triggers), they begin to try to control their size with restrictive eating or exercise. Sometimes (and increasingly) it goes too far.
In my practice, I see the magnitude of problems stemming from food and body challenges everyday.
It’s not your job to control your child’s weight. Let that go! You can, however, make sure you are providing the structure and support your kid needs to grow into the body they were meant to have.
Here are 5 strategies you can put into place to make your home a nourishing one for all body shapes and sizes:
Have regularly scheduled meals and snacks away from screens and distractions
Don’t restrict sugar or any type of food or food group (this is a form of dieting)
Encourage joyful movement, not exercise for calorie burn
Point out and educate your kids on body diversity
Never comment on the appearance of anyone’s shape or size (even your own)
Reach out to me if you need personalized help putting these strategies into place!
I’m excited to announce my Facebook group for parents needing support. Click here to join. I’ll pop in the group regularly to answer questions and guide discussions. I hope you’ll join us!
You can also download the Building a Balanced Plate guide. It’s simple and flexible and all you need to get started with meal planning ideas. If your kids are old enough, let them help! It’s a perfect way for kids to learn how to fuel their bodies without any diet culture messages.
Feel free to share this with fellow parents or anyone you think would benefit. If any questions come up for you after you read this, ask them in our Facebook group
