You are wise to tread lightly here, as girls are bombarded daily with unhealthy messages about their bodies, says family physician Leonard Sax, author of "Girls on the Edge: The Four Factors Driving the New Crisis for Girls" (Basic Books).
"So many girls are looking to the marketplace, they're looking to the movies, they're looking to the Internet for their notion of what women should look like," Sax says. "And the images are completely out of touch with reality."
This is the backdrop against which you must address your daughter's weight. Or not address it.
"If she's within 10 percent of her ideal body weight, she's not at medical risk, and I would argue it's not the doctor's job to say, 'You're a little overweight,' " Sax says.
If she is truly carrying around enough extra weight to put her health at risk, Sax says, take a hard look at her environment.
"The three big reasons kids are overweight are diet, exercise and sleep," he says.
* Diet: "I'm a big fan of Michael Pollan," Sax says. "'Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.' That's very good advice. There's no way you're going to achieve your health goals if you're eating fast food several times every week."
* Exercise: "Ideally you're using this as an opportunity to bond with your child. Go for a walk. Create little traditions. Disconnect the devices, and get outdoors."
* Sleep: "Sleep deprivation is a major driver in obesity. Making sure your kids get a good night's sleep is a parent's job. That means not letting them go to bed with their cellphones. Many parents don't even realize it, but their daughters are up texting at 1 in the morning."
If your family is making positive changes together, your daughter is less likely to feel singled out for her weight. And everyone reaps the rewards of healthier living.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Weight issues can take toll on teen self-esteem
Monday, September 5, 2011
Parenting values and your teenager
For the past 12+ years you've taught your children core values that you feel are important in molding a positive young adult who will be filled with the same priorities. Does the teaching stop once they hit 13? How do you maintain the importance of family values as they continue to grow?
Just as any effective ministry begins in the hearts of what is taught at home, so teaching Christian values to your children begins with the hearts of the parents. Now, more than ever, your teens need to see the modeling of those values in your daily life before they choose to make it part of who they become.
Do you model taking care of your personal things? Do you model cleaning up after yourself? How about reading your Bible; having your own time with God? Do you show a positive attitude, displaying that everything you do is toward pleasing God? Does your teen see a giving heart in you? Do you consider others before yourself?
How do you spend your time? Are you taking care of things that need your attention? Or do your teens see a parent who spends a lot of time in front of the television, or playing video games?
