My daughter is 10 yrs old,, she sneaks around eating snacks.

Litchfield - posted on 05/19/2012

1. Eating disorders start early. Research them to see if your daughter is showing signs other than sneaking around. Make sure she isn't being bullied or something at school.
2. Eating issues are generally a way of demonstrating control of something in her life. She is 10 and should be able to articulate what is going on. Have a conversation with her. She isn't a baby any more, but remember that she isn't an adult either.
3. Get her involved in activities now. Summer is coming, join swim teams, schedule outings, look in the community papers and civic centers to see what is offered, many are free some are minimal cost. But don't make it because of her weight, just introduce it as fun activities.
3. Don't keep the snacks in the house. Period. At this age kids tend to pick their foods as parents are less and less needed to get in the fridge or the pantry, leave only good choices for her.
4. Involve her in grocery shopping and making menus for the family. Show her how to make healthy choices. Model the behavior you want her to have.
5. Do not comment on her weight. You are not going to be able to say the right thing at the right time. Encourage without commentary. Support the good habits but do not berate the bad. Positive reinforcement only.

My daughter was in 7th grade and battled with bulimea until 9th. She still struggles with her weight at 23 after having a baby. After all was said and done and we could really talk about the true issues, it was control. I was havinig a baby, she was having trouble adjusting and middle school is terrible on teens. It was the only thing she felt in control of. The specialists say that once the psychological need sets in, it becomes a physical trigger. Seriously, take the action and see if she is showing signs. It could be nothing more than a craving, but just in case be informed. And seriously talk with her. Don't attack, don't belittle, don't acuse....just ask, hold her hand and be supportive of her needs.

my 2 cents,
Tammy

Ladyallwayzz - posted on 05/19/2012

why is she eating the snacks/ to the point of disobeyng you and sneeking around? is she still hungry, is she unhappy, or upset about something? you really need to talk to her, find out whats going on and be encouraging. if she really is over weight, then yes, by all means as the other person s'said, lead by example, eat healthy and DONT buy the unhealthy snacks...or you can have a few for special occassions, or treats.(sometimes the more somethng is forbidden, the more a person wants them). to be honest, 10 is still young, and her body may need certain fats and sugars, so try not to be over board with it. my oldest was overweight when she was young. I told her once she hit 16, it was Gods way of giving you a 2nd chance . you will fill out in all the right places, but its up to you to keep yourself looking good, and healthy. well, both my girls ate what they wanted in moderation, and today both girls are very thin (too thin for my taste)but they eat healthy, they lead busy lives, and are very happy with themselves. they also know they CAN have the ice cream, chocolate, etc., if they want, when they want, and its ok.

Louise - posted on 05/16/2012

Try not to buy the snacks and lead by example and eat fruit. The whole family will benefit from a healthier diet and she wont feel so singled out.

Make sure she is eatting the right foods at dinner time and drinking lots of water, try not to encourage any snacks between foods and most of all encourage her to run about and exercise. This does not have to be anything to extreme just playing football or basketball going for a bike ride as a family. If she sees everybody doing it she is more inclined to do it too!