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Expert Advice for GradeSchool

My Grade School aged daughter has become obsessed with food. She wants to eat much too frequently and primarily un-healthy snacks. If I allow her to pack her lunch for school, she takes 100 more than she needs. Also, I have been finding her sneaking foods. She is slightly overweight and I don't want her to become obese. But, I don't want her to go the other direction and develop an opposite eating problem. What should I do?

- Pat, Berrien Center, MI

Jeff Winckler, Educator, Father, says:

Healthy habits about diet and excise begin when a person is young. It's very important for school age children to learn how to apply portion control and eat in moderation, as well as understand the value of exercise. A school aged child is never too young for you to sit down and have a real conversation about eating too much and/or the wrong foods and their long term health impact. After you talk, it's time to back it up by modeling and monitoring. Having your child exercise regularly is also a good next step.

Was this advice Helpful? (3 votes) (0 votes)

Posted on: 8/21/2009 11:51 PM

Posted by: Jennifer R

City: Eugene

-I was a food sneaker as a child. My mother punished me over and over. It didnt work. There were extenuating circumstances ie. glandular problems and my mother owned a greasy spoon where I ate all my meals from ages 8-14. I think it would have been better if there had been some positive reinforcement. -Please remember that praise goes a lot further than punishment in the gain of self-esteem.

Rated: *

Posted on: 1/19/2009 1:08 PM

Posted by: colleen b

City: Johnson City

I would also ask you daughter why she is overeating and sneaking food. She may be upset about something and using food as a support.

Rated: *

Posted on: 1/5/2009 11:44 AM

Posted by: me r

City: middle town

not the heck out of the fat kid

Rated: *

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