The obesity epidemic has not left children behind. A study commissioned by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and published in June 2010 found that one-third of American children are medically overweight or obese. Often teased by peers, overweight children frequently struggle with self-esteem issues. Health problems due to weight affect children as well. According to the website TeensHealth, overweight children may develop type 2 diabetes, suffer cardiovascular effects or experience joint pain. Help your child improve his self-concept by working to address his challenges.
Step 1
Observe your child's interactions with peers and other family members. A 2006 study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and led by Jeanne Walsh Pierce found that overweight children often have trouble interacting socially due to low self-esteem. As a parent, help your child improve her social skills by role-playing social situations and guiding your child's responses to help her react more confidently.
Step 2
Never tease or make fun of your child because of his weight. In an interview published in Psychiatric News, Dr. Katherine Kaufer Christoffel, medical director of the Nutrition Evaluation Clinic at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago, says teasing overweight children is common among parents and other relatives. Do not allow his siblings or relatives to tease him about his weight. If necessary, talk privately with relatives and explain that teasing is counter-productive and hurtful. Speak with your child's school teacher to determine if teasing is taking place at school.
Step 3
Talk with your child about her weight if she is old enough to verbalize her feelings. Tell her that you love her no matter what her appearance and reassure her that she is a vital member of your family. When a child hears positive verbal affirmations, she feels more confident in herself. Listen to your child when she expresses how she feels about her weight and be accepting of her in all situations.
Step 4
Sign your child up for a youth club. A 2010 study conducted by Dawn Anderson-Butcher and Scottye Cash, both associate professors of social work at Ohio State University, and published in the Children and Youth Services Review found that children who participated in youth clubs had a better self-concept than children who did not participate. Research local groups in your area and ask other parents or your child's school guidance counselors for advice.
Step 5
Find activities that your child enjoys and keeps him moving. While working on improving his self-concept is important, it is also vital that you make positive lifestyle changes as a family. FamilyDoctor.org recommends involving the whole family in your child's weight problem. Take walks together, play outdoor games as a family and eat healthy foods. Do not make your child's diet different from the rest of the family's so he does not feel ostracized.
Tips and Warnings
- Ask your pediatrician for advice on proper weight ranges. Consult with a therapist if you are concerned that your child's self-concept is weak. Develop goals for your child in terms of weight and activity level. Limit the amount of TV your family watches and fill the time with fun activities.
- Do not give your child diet supplements. Watch for signs of eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia. Be alert to signs of severe depression.
References
- Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: How Obesity Threatens America's Future 2010
- TeensHealth: When Being Overweight Is a Health Problem
- Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry; "Cause and Effect Beliefs and Self-Esteem of Overweight Children"
- Psychiatric News: Teasing Is Toxic When Obese Kids Are Targets
- Weight-Control Information Network: Helping Your Overweight Child
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