I will admit to being overweight almost my entire life, and ending up at the morbid obesity stage when Little Miss was born. I finally peaked at about 126kgs (280lbs) when Wife peed on a stick to confirm the impending arrival of Usurper. Since then I am down to around 74kgs (165lbs) as I sit here typing today - much happier and healthier now.
The reason I raise this is I am pretty sure it is going to affect me as a parent. I know I am extra paranoid about Little Miss and her weight. She is by no means a petite toddler, although she is also pretty tall for her age, but there is no denying she is also pretty solid. So I find myself torn between my fears about her weight and not wanting to deny her some of the simple pleasures in life - like the odd ice cream or donut.
I also don’t want to pass inflict on her any undue psychological issues about her weight. So I have settled on the middle road of making sure that the treats are just that - treats. Where possible she eats very healthy and well balanced meals, with the odd piece of cake or something at a birthday party or an ice cream on a very hot day.
Also we get her out and about as much as possible - she loves slides and the like so it is off to the park at every chance we get, or out in the backyard to kick a ball or bounce on the trampoline.
This is about the best we can do, while I hope that she slims down a little as she gets older. I am heartened by the fact that pictures of Wife at the same age show a little girl of almost identical build - who has since grown up into a 6 footer who is in pretty good shape (and could of done much better in the marriage stakes).
I just want my toddler to avoid the slings and arrows I went through as I know that it can become a vicious cycle in life of low self-esteem leading to over eating etc etc blah blah.
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Hi Toddler Daddy,
My Caitlin tends to overeat too. She would have her own meals, which are actually quite a lot, & then plead for some more whenever she finds us eating either at the table or when we are snacking. I kinda agree with my mum that they shouldn’t be used to eating too full all the time as she may continue so as she grows.
To date Caitlin doesn’t know what Coke is (I am hoping to prolong this as far as possible), has very limited access to candy, & we have very little snacks at our own place.
Fortunately Caitlin is your typical toddler full of life & energy. And like you, whenever I get the chance I too will take her out & about.
If you wish I can ask my sister if she can suggest what “precautions” (I use this word loosely at the hour I am typing this!) & kiddie lifestyle Little Miss ought to adhere to …?
Thanks for the offer.
We are actually thinking of taking Little Miss to a childhood dietitian just to make sure that we are are doing the right things - although all pointers greatly appreciated.
I am sure you and your wife are doing everything you can. Toddlers are picky eaters and love all the bad foods. She will probably thin out the older she gets. Good Luck and let us know what the dietician recommends
I think eating habits are DAN encoded. My first boy is like his Daddy - quite picky and will only eat certain things. But if everything is set right, they will eat quite a bit. My second and I are the same: we eat almost everything we are served and enjoy trying out new stuff.
One good days, Micah will have 3 proper meals. On days I think he’s just made it is if he eats one proper meal (he will take milk in his bottle as replacements). With Max I am more relaxed. Even if he “skips” a meal (eat poorly) I don’t feel like I need to persuade him to take a couple more bites.
p/s- Congrats on your weight loss. Keeping it down is also hard work.
The things that amazes me of late is not the type of things she eats - she rarely has bad things - it is the sheer volume. Today she ate a pear, apple, banana, and mango as well as her normal meals.
It is all good food, but more than I could deal with these days. Oh well, life’s too short to worry about things that may not even turn out to be problems