Hello all,

I was thinking today how glad I am that I am making this change in my life now, while my children are still developing their eating habits. (I have three girls ages 3.5, 1.5 and 1.5) I worry constantly that I've done harm already and that they will struggle with weight issues because of the horrorific eating habits I have shown them.

When I serve them food I constantly wonder if they are eating too much or not enough. I only serve healthy food (well, except birthday cake and the occasional ice cream)...but I at a loss as to the portion. They'll have a bowl (child-sized plastic) of Cereal and a 1/2 or 1/4 of a piece of fruit in the morning...is that too much, am I making them fat?

Also, I constantly think about their weight. They are all on the high end of the charts for weight, but they are on the high end of the charts for height as well...so that should even out. But I find myself comparing them constantly.

Rest assured, I NEVER EVER EVER mention any of this to my children...or discuss it in front of them. In fact, I only discuss it with my husband...and certainly not in front of my girls. When we discuss our bodies I always praise theirs for being healthy and strong and able to run and kick and pump a swing (all this is with the 3.5 year old...of course!).

Am I alone in this or is it something that challenges other overweight parents as well? I'd love to know what you think.

Rain

My little ones re adopted, and they are boys. So, my situation is very different from yours... but I am always thinking about what they are eating, too.

My 2 yr old is little for his age, and refuses to eat much at all. My 1 yr old is big (90% for both charts) and has been since he was about 2 months old... and he eats anything and everything!

I worry about the younger one out-growing the older one and how that will affect them (getting teased/questions & comments from rude people) as they grow up.

I have had access to a nutritionist from the pediatrician's office, and learned all about portion size. Like, 2 tbsp. of veggies is a serving. I am sure you could find the info in a book or even on-line (reputable website).

But even having discussed with a professional, it's a daily struggle to get their nutritional needs in every single day. Especially when they have such different needs!

Rainer -- you'll do fine. I managed to raise four (now aged 26 to 18) with only one having weight issues and none being anorexic because of seeing me diet.

The main thing I think I did right was from the age of 6 or 7 months on, I fixed their plates, sat it in front of them and cleaned it up when they were done and gone and I never stressed about whether or not they were getting enough.

I had a wonderful old pediatrician who continually assured me that only children who do not have access to food starve or grow malnourished. As long as you offer them healthy choices, the rest is up to them. He also told me of research that shows small children may eat all Pasta one day and all meats another and all veggies another -- that left to their own choices from an offering of good healthy foods, they will eat a well-balanced diet. Just don't expect each meal or even eacy DAY to be 'balanced' -- you have to look at the bigger picture.

Also, I learned that if an apple is a snack for an adult, a slice of an apple may be enough of a snack for a toddler. Just keep lots of Ziplock bags around and buy smallish pieces of fruit to begin with.

I notice it more with my grandchildren now -- than I did with my own kids -- how quick we ALL are to offer food when they get hurt or are cranky or are bored. My granddaughter is 9 and a voracious eater -- all her life! -- but likes healthy stuff. When she was a toddler she'd cry for cole slaw at the supermarket instead of candy and would rather go for Chinese than go to McDonald's. Yet she's on the slender side for her age. I worry about her because her paternal grandmother is also diabetic and had WLS several years ago. With her appetite, if she ever develops poor choice habits, there WILL be a problem.

As to the child or two who have weight issues -- it is my boys who played football in from 4th grade on and had to put away a lot of calories for the intensity of the training and playing. Sadly, when they no longer had that outlet they didn't adjust their eating patterns enough to compensate for the more sedentary lifestyle. But they're young, 24 and 21 and I feel confident they'll correct the problem. They're like their dad and can lose 20-25 lbs just by cutting out Desserts and seconds for a month or two! (Don'tcha just hate people like that??)

Okay, I'm rambling. I need to go get things packed and try to sleep some before I go to the hospital manana!