Has anyone else been following this controversy? “Mom’s diet for 7-yr-old daughter… sparks backlash”
I came across this article on MSN a few days ago: http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/lifestyle/2012/03/moms-diet-for-7-year-old-d… (the original article in Vogue is not accessible online without a subscription)
I’m curious to see your reactions to this story. I was appalled by some of the methods this mother used, but it’s also bringing a renewed focus to the Childhood Obesity Epidemic. Have any of you experienced clients or friends that project their own issues onto their children? Do you have any suggestions in dealing with situations such as these? How could the new ACE Integrated Fitness Model be applied to the psychological/behavioral science aspect that this article addresses?
This breaks my heart. I have a daughter, and I have seen, through her friends the full spectrum of body types.
I think always the best place to start is with the parent, working on their own issues with food and weight, and learning how important it is to be an exceptional role model- Our children watch us to see what to do, they don’t listen, they watch. We have to realize that bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and that weight (or lack of) does not equal worth.
That said, parents need to get kids moving, have them play outside, use those large muscle groups, play sports. We have to remember that as we move our bodies, our brains also benefit immensely.
Helping kids make good, healthy food choices is of course pivotal. Setting any young girl up to have an unhealthy relationship with her body, with food or exercise is setting her up for a lifetime of struggle. Girls get bombarded enough from outside sources; the home should be a safe haven to learn good habits, and to learn that we are good and enough, just as we are.