diet


Children are born with a natural ability to recognise the signs of hunger and fullness. It's adults who go on to wreck this for children!


Tis is most certainly the time for a


common-sense chat. Explain that a child's weight does naturally fluctuate. Tis is normal. Tey fill out and then shoot up, so reassure your child. It's quite usual for girls to compare themselves to others in the class. Te most rapid change for a child's body is puberty and for a while there could be massive differences within a single class. Girls naturally double the amount of fat as they go through puberty while boys on the other hand put on more muscle. In a few


years' time, these massive differences will have reduced and they'll look more similar to each other. If your child has clear concerns, try to be


honest and take an objective look at them. Have you had concerns about their weight gain? Don't stick your head in the sand thinking the problem might simply go away; 21st-century living means we have far too much food in our society. If your child is overweight, it's the eating habits that you'll need to address and not the weight gain at this stage. Your conversation should focus on quantities, frequency and habits rather than weighing scales, podgy tummies and tight clothing. It doesn't need to get personal. Indeed, it shouldn't. With younger children, you may wish to


take a slightly different tactic. More children in the younger age groups (under-tens) are becoming conscious of their body image. It's another bit of childhood that's disappearing. If your young child brings it up, it's best to deflect it and give praise and encouragement in other areas. Focus on their strengths in sports, school work, hobbies and in generally being an all round nice, friendly, helpful person.


Try some of the following tactics:


Words that work • 'At the moment, it's possible that you've put on some extra weight, but pretty soon you'll discover that your height will catch up'


• 'I think you'll be surprised at how easy it can be to make changes and swap the fizzy drinks for water. I think you might surprise yourself the most of all, don't you think?'


• 'As you're coming to the dinner table, turn off the TV please', is more likely to be met with compliance rather than a straight 'Turn off the TV'


• 'So, you've been feeling worried about your weight - has this made you aware that you need to do something about all the fizzy drinks you're having?'


• 'I get it - you've decided that you don't like any of the vegetables that we eat at home'


(in order to start experimenting and tasting some new ones)


• 'So, it's possible that you could start making the changes we've talked about; which will you probably do first, do you think?'


Words that don't work • 'You always stuff your face with biscuits when you come home from school'


• 'You never eat healthy foods like vegetables'


• 'Keep eating pizza and you'll end up looking like a pizza'


• 'It's not your fault - you're just the chubby one in the family'


• 'You've got big bones' • 'How much more food are you going to eat?'


• 'Don't you think you've had enough?' • 'Don't come crying to me when you can't find a dress to fit you for the school formal!'


• 'Oh, don't worry - you'll be fine'


If you are truly worried about your child's weight, whatever their age, consult your GP or nurse for advice. „


Alicia Eaton


Non-dieting weight


loss tips • Clear your kitchen clutter: if work surfaces are cluttered up with the latest kitchen gadgets (especially those that rarely get used), as well as old newspapers, bills and piles of ironing, you will not feel inspired to cook healthy, balanced meals.


• Get organised: Kitchen cupboards and fridges that are full of half-eaten packets of out-of- date food will leave you feeling frustrated each time you search for ingredients. You'll quickly give up the idea of cooking healthy meals and reach for the takeaway menu or a microwave meal instead.


• Teach children to 'eat consciously': Children are born with a natural ability to recognise the signs of hunger and fullness. It's adults who go on to wreck this for children!


• Make a meal of a meal: Aim for an all-round sensory hit - exciting each and every one of your child's senses. Make the table as attractive as possible by using colourful napkins, attractive cutlery and crockery. And what about the food - the colours, textures and aromas? Keep these interesting and exciting too.


• Get organised with shopping: Plan your menus for the week ahead, make a detailed shopping list and avoid shopping when you're feeling hungry or tired. You'll find it easier to avoid buying too many of those high-calorie snacks that have a habit of creeping into the shopping trolley.


• Engage in activities, sports and healthy exercise: Doing things together will show your child that you actually enjoy their company and want to spend time with them too - this will boost their self- esteem and help them to feel that making lifestyle changes are a joint venture.


Summer 2016 MODERNMUM 61


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