What to Do Now to Prevent a Fat Kid Later

on April 13, 2009 at 5:15 PM

This new research on childhood obesity is probably another one for the Duh! file, but not losing sight that 20 percent of kids today are overweight, it bears reminding:

Preschoolers with little self-control who seek instant gratification gain more weight by the time they are preteens than those who have some form of self-control.

Makes sense to me -- if you can't resist the Twinkie now, you won't be able to later -- but I was still stunned by the numbers from two research studies that came to this conclusion.

Children who showed very little self-control in tests that involved resisting certain toys and foods were 30 percent heavier by the time they were tweens, compared with toddlers who were better able to control their impulses. The out-of-control tykes also gained weight faster.

So how do you teach a preschooler self-control? My daughter was born with it, but my son would eat an entire box of doughnuts if I let him.

The researchers offers some vague tips, like training kids to stop and think about whether they are hungry before reaching for snacks, limiting favorite treats, and restricting eating to scheduled snack and mealtimes. Fine, but how do you do that?

How are you teaching your toddlers to control their impulses better? Do you worry about your toddler turning into an obese big kid?

Related groups:

Healthy Weight Loss

Cooking for Kids

Nutrition for Babies & Toddlers

About the author Cynthia Dermody

is The Stir's Managing Editor who has trophies in her home for her skills at the Irish Jig. She makes cupcakes with as many fattening ingredients as possible, doesn't comb her hair for months at a time, and was probably a faerie in a former life.

Filed Under: food, health, toys

Comments (19)

MommaTasha1003

on Apr 13, 2009 at 5:43 PM

That makes me scared :( lol.... My dd is a picky eater & could really go all day without eating real food if i let her. She just forgets to eat or say she is hungry. BUT she loves candy! And with easter here, she knows candy is in the house so she ask for it alot..

maybe i should instill a rule: snack ONLY AFTER A MEAL. but its hard because she is a picky eater & doesnt eat her full dinner most of the time anyway.. so if i keep snacks until after dinner im afraid she wont eat even more to save for her treat.

I would say she is good with toys, she never pitches a fit with them & takes turn pretty well for a 2.5yr old.

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MoonLover06

on Apr 13, 2009 at 5:56 PM

If your DD is that picky I"d remove all snacks like candy, chips, and cookies and replace them with fruits, veggies, and cheese. If she gets hungry enough she will eat her healthy options.

BaisMom

on Apr 13, 2009 at 5:58 PM

My daughter doesn't really have a choice. I make her certain things for meals and snacks and, with the exception of snacks, if she doesn't want to eat what I serve her, she doesn't eat. My MIL thinks I starve her LOL MIL also raised her kids to eat all sorts of CRAP at insane amounts and at any time of day. I feed my daughter healthy and proportionate meals and snacks, and MIL is baffled LOL Anyway, the point is that I don't starve my daughter, but I do teach her that she will eat what I serve and if she really doesn't want to eat it then she must not be that hungry. When she IS hungry enough, I gladly warm up the food and give it to her. She also doesn't get to throw her toys around, and take them all to bed with her like she sometimes wants to. I think I've taught her a lot about limitations and self control through how I've raised her so far. She's not too picky of an eater these days, and she's learned to accept just being allowed only one toy, if she even wants one. The kid also loves fruit, vegetables, and wheat bread LOL It's all in your strength as a parent IMO

on Apr 13, 2009 at 6:00 PM

Right on MoonLover.

qtmomof2

on Apr 13, 2009 at 6:01 PM

If it's not in the house they can't eat it!!

My childhood obesity never "out grew" itself like the doctors would say. Plus, I had freedom to the fridge when I was old enough. My Mom didn't care that much. If it wasn't for my gastric bypass I'd still be 285!

simplysarah77

on Apr 13, 2009 at 6:35 PM

I don't bake or buy cakes,cookies, candy bars or soda. If my kids get any of that it's a HUGE treat for being very good or a special day. I bag of chips last 1 week between 4 people in my house.

madamekatekate

on Apr 13, 2009 at 6:53 PM

My mother kept sweets and things out of the house too. I still ended up fat.

You can't do anything to gaurentee your child won't end up obese at some point in time or another especially when they've grown and can make their own choices---Like I did.

All you can do is teach them the best you can a healthy lifestyle and the benefits of living one and love them no matter what rather than making them feel ashamed.

rkoloms

on Apr 13, 2009 at 6:54 PM

The best way to have healthy kids is to have healthy parents who set a great example for their kids. We should all have 7 servings of whole grains, like brown rice, whole wheat pasta, quinoa, whole grain tortillas, etc. every day. We should all have 7 or eight servings of fruits and vegetables, in a rainbow of colors, every day. Throw in some bean, lentils, yummy spices and seasonings, and you have a healthy, happy family.

doright

on Apr 13, 2009 at 7:27 PM

Kids get overweight because they have lazy parents who won't ensure the kids get healthy foods and get the kids outside to play. My kids had apples, bananas, yogurt, etc. for snacks. They didn't get a snack if they didn't eat their previous meal. They didn't get dessert if they didn't eat decently at mealtime. Yes, there were temper tantrums at times, but it did not take long for them to figure it out because I was consistent.

ddbz

on Apr 13, 2009 at 7:47 PM

I think one of the first thing you do is make your toddler feel loved no matter what.

If you have a kid with a weight problem, it could be something that is beyond everyone's control and the child should not be made to feel bad about it.