Weight gain is a sensitive issue for anyone, but can prove even more difficult to discuss when it comes to your own tween. While some weight gain is completely natural, especially if your tween is going through puberty. The difficulty for most parents is distinguishing between growths in your child to what could be verging on obesity? Here are some great tips on how to approach the topic with your tween:
Bring up the topic sensitively
As a parent you may want to avoid the topic completely for fear of creating body image issues for your tween. While it is important to approach the topic in a sensitive manner, you can’t avoid discussing the issue forever. Find the appropriate time to talk to him or her about their weight gain. You could bring the topic up it after a doctor’s appointment, if the issue is raised by your family doctor.
Encourage more activity
It may seem the most obvious step when it comes to weight loss, but the most common reason for weight gain amongst tweens is due to lack of activity. Encourage your tween to get off the computer and take part in more physical activity. Whether it’s joining an after school club or playing more with siblings or friends: it can go a long way to achieving your tween’s weight loss goal.
Help them make better food choices
Educating your tween about what’s healthy to eat and what junk food to avoid, can not only prove beneficial in the long run but can enable your child to feel in control when it comes to their own food choices. While it may seem tempting to want your tween to go cold turkey, it’s better to encourage moderation instead.
Join your child with their weight loss mission
Going on diet can feel like an isolating experience for your tween, especially if it seems other family members are allowed treats and they’re not. Why not join your child in their weight loss mission? It can not only prove beneficial for you but a team effort can be a great source of motivation for your tween.
