When to Discuss Weight with Your Child

12/17/19 • 21 min

Love your child at their current weight while making lifestyle changes in your household.Are you concerned about your child’s weight? You don’t want to ruin their self-esteem by bringing something up that may not be a problem, but you also don’t want your child to endure the health risks connected with being overweight or obese.

Processed foods are dense in calories but not necessarily packed with nutrients. Today’s children aren’t as active as those in the previous generation because of technology and cultural lifestyle shifts. Environmental toxins are everywhere and hard to completely avoid.

If you’re concerned about your child’s weight, first look at the big picture. There is some time to think and plan to improve your child’s health. Don’t panic.

Make a lifestyle change together, getting the entire household on board with exercise and nutritional adjustments. Start slowly with doable changes where the behavior will lead to little successes before selecting the next change to make.

Children facing obesity and are struggling with health problems that could be reversed may be candidates for bariatric surgery. This is not a quick-fix option. Discuss your concerns with your pediatrician.

Listen as Dr. Sarah Armstrong joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss concerns over weight and bariatric surgery.

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Starting Solid Foods

What should you do when you want to start your infant on solid foods?Your infant will eventually be ready to start eating solid foods to complement milk or formula consumption.

Don’t start solids until baby is at least four months old. Breastfed babies should start solids around six months. Every baby is different. A good sign is that your child can sit in a high chair and stares down your plate at dinner.

First foods can be instant oatmeal, avocados or bananas. Use some breast milk or formula to thin the foods and introduce them to baby. Wait three days between new foods and see how your baby does with each food.

Introduce your baby to lots of tastes and textures in that first year. Just be sure food is smashed up so baby won’t choke.

If you notice what could be an allergic reaction, see your pediatrician.

Listen as Dr. Natalie Muth joins Melanie Cole, MS to discuss how to introduce your baby to solid foods.

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Encore Episode: Holiday Safety & Cheer

Have a happier holiday with these tips for your family.Holidays are joyful for many. There are a few things to keep in mind to keep your family happy and safe.

Safety

Don’t let your tree dry out.
Don’t leave your tree lights on when you aren’t home.
Don’t overload outlets and extension cords.
Be sure outdoor lights and power cords are intended for outdoor use.
Stash guest belongings out of your child’s reach so no one gets into personal pill boxes.
Hire a sitter if you have lots of toddlers at your large party.
Make sure gifts are age appropriate and not flagged as dangerous.
Fireplace embers can stay hot for days so put ashes in an ash bucket.
Know that other people may not have the same safety practices when you go to visit.

Managing Expectations

It’s a tough balance to give your child the best gifts you can while instilling a sense of gratitude. Discussing the significance of the holidays in your family leading up to festivities can help. Focus on family traditions like cooking, games, singing and celebrating. This is time you can build traditions to carry you throughout the year. Talk about gratefulness and giving with your children.

It’s important for your children to realize that things cost money. Your family may not be able to afford the latest cell phone technology for the kids. Sometimes Santa leaves notes to redirect unrealistic requests, leaving a hand-selected gift instead.

Listen as Dr. Corinn Cross joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share how to enjoy this time with your children safely and happily.