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Top tips- how should we be talking about weight concerns with our children
Are you worried that your child may be gaining weight or becoming above a healthy weight for their height? Do you want to address the situation but are you worried as a parent/carer that you may say the wrong thing to your child, and it may upset them? This is a common worry for lots of parents that I speak with and its very understandable, the last thing you want to do is say something to upset your child or make them feel ashamed. An individual’s weight is a very sensitive subject so it’s important that we speak to our children in a way that is positive and helpful for them. I have put together some useful tips as a guide on how to talk to your child about weight:
Try not to focus on your child’s weight and instead talk about how your child is growing and
how its important to be healthy, some parents find it useful to use terms such as “fitter” and
“stronger” when talking about becoming a healthy weight.
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If your child brings up the subject of his/her weight, then it is important to openly talk about
it with them. Using the term “weight” is totally fine and should not discouraged if your child
feels comfortable talking about it. Parents can discuss how being a healthy weight is
important for keeping healthy, fit, and having lots of energy.
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Avoid using negative language when talking to your child about their weight. Blaming and
shaming a child can lead to them feeling guilty, worried and can have a negative impact on
their self-esteem. We want to encourage a positive relationship with food and exercise so
talk positively about “getting healthier” or “becoming more active” or “having healthier
habits”. Try and avoid using the word “diet”, eating healthy does not mean your child is on a
“diet”.
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Reassure your child and talk about weight in a supportive manner. Find an opportunity to
talk to your child in a calm, relaxed environment where they feel safe and free to ask
questions.
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Help your child to feel good about themselves and their body. Praise them for all the good
things they do and all the good things their body allows them to do. Try to avoid
commenting on what people should wear or not wear because of their shape and size.
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Parents and carers should try and be good role models for their children and remember that
changing eating habits and lifestyle needs to be a family approach. Your child will be more
motivated to being physically active if the whole family gets involved and it will be easier to
adopt healthier eating habits if everyone is doing the same at home.
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And finally, we would not expect drastic changes to be made to your child’s eating habits
and lifestyle, but instead would encourage small, realistic, and achievable changes to their
and the whole family’s lifestyle.
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● If you are worried about your child’s weight and have concerns of any of the above, then do get in touch and book an appointment. The team have lots of experience working in this area, with children and adolescents of all ages, and we are all passionate about helping families become healthier and happier.