Grandparents Increase Kids' Obesity Risk

on February 17, 2010 at 11:06 AM

My parents rarely let me have sweets or fast food, but those rules don't apply to my daughter. In fact, they love indulging her every desire, as is often the case with grandparents. For tots who see grandma and grandpa occasionally, that's not a problem. But for tots who are regularly cared for by their grandparents, it is.

A new study shows that these kids are at an increased risk of being overweight.

Researchers analyzed 12,000 three-year-olds and found that their risk of being overweight was 34 percent higher if their grandparents cared for them full time. Kids who had babysitters or went to nursery school had no increased risk of weight problems.

The study didn't look into why grandparent care was associated with toddlers being overweight, but researchers surmise that indulgence of children and lack of exercise are two possible explanations.

Is your toddler cared for by his grandparents? Does the study worry you?

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About the author Suzanne Murray

is the Parenting & Political editor at The Stir/Moms Matter 2012.

Filed Under: child care, health

Comments (5)

justanotherjen

on Feb 17, 2010 at 12:47 PM

We live with my dad and I go around and around with him about letting the kids have snacks. He especially spoils me 3yo. She's been drinking Diet Pepsi regularly since she was 18 months (mostly sips of extremely watered down soda at the bottom of my dad's cup) and he gives her whatever snacks she wants.

When I tell the kids no snacks they run to my dad and he gives it to them and then says he didn't know they weren't supposed to have it. Grrr. How many times do I have to say they don't need cookies and junk 20 times a day (they get 2 snacks a day and we have both healthy and less healthy snacks available, cookies and cakes and candy are not snacks, they are treats which are rare).

Luckily none of my kids have weight problems (other then my oldest who is underweight) but it's a struggle to teach them good eating habits when Papa gives them whatever all day and encourages overeating (when he makes dinner he serves them 2 adult portions each and expects them to finish it because he thinks they need that much or they will be hungry).

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ShadesofGrey

on Feb 17, 2010 at 2:49 PM

I totally believe this. Especially if a grandparent is not health-conscious and determined to spoil. I was cared by my grandma on regular basis, I'm sure she did not help with my weight gain as a child. Although she was not at fault. I had autoimmune disease and was on strong medications and immobile. My mom does the same with my son. Every time I pick him up, she has cookies or something out. But I allow it, he sees her once a week. The rest of the time I have control over what goes in his mouth. We rarely have cookies or candies at home so its quite the treat for him.

BaileysMommy523

on Feb 19, 2010 at 8:42 AM

That is so funny to be because as soon as my daught was switched to solid foods all my parents wanted to do is fill her up with snacks and junk food. My daughter is almost two and I do not allow her to have these things but sometimes it feels like a constant ongoing battle with them, especially around halloween. Anyways I completely agree with that study and I think its sad because there are so many overweight little kids out there and you know they didnt do that to themselves and it sets them up for a lot of hard times growing up and kids these days dont need anymore help in that department.

Danniew09

on Feb 22, 2010 at 1:30 AM

I think this is more of a problem with those whose parents don't respect their wishes. My daughter spends a good deal of time with her grandparents (hubby's parents, not mine) and they've always asked what is okay for her to have and to not have. They respect our wishes in discipline, manners, food, and even have picked up signing with her like we do. But I do understand they're the exception, no the rule.

For example, my daughter almost never sees my mother. Because she's already talked about loading her up with sweets and letting her run rampant. Not to mention the fact that she's utterly irresponsible, but that's a different post. :)

ChristinoSM

on Jan 14, 2011 at 4:11 AM

The aim of treatment for obesity is to lose weight in order to improve your general quality of life, both physically and psychologically. Treatment for obesity can be done in order to reduce the amount of calories in your diet. Diet and exercise will definitely benefit you. But calorie-controlled diet should only be attempted with expert support and advice. You should visit your GP before making any significant changes to your lifestyle.