Overweight/underweight child.

FBaby

I too think she is 'chunky' and I find it concerning that others wouldn't think that. It isn't a criticism at all and she is not overweight, just that it might be harder for her to avoid to be so unless she learns to watch what she eats. You are clearly doing the right thing, so wouldn't worry and just continue doing as you are.

FBaby

oops. just seen your latest photo and no, I don't think she looks chunky on that one. Even the second is borderline, it's the first that made me think she was. Is there a big difference in time between the three?

Alikay

I really wouldn't bother trying to "fatten up" your son: If he's active, healthy and bounces back OK after the usual colds and bugs they pick up, he's almost certainly fine. When my kids were going through a growth spurt and seemed hungry, I'd give them cereal at bedtime - something like Shreddies or Ready Brek rather than sweetened ones.

My 3 children all had different builds, and my foster children have come in various shapes and sizes too. All extra calories ever did for my skinny DS1 was give him the runs!

Your DD looks perfectly normal - sure not a skinny minnie, but she's a sturdier build than your son all over. I think if they're both eating a varied diet with not too much processed food or empty calories I'd wouldn't worry.

JodyBPM

FBaby wrote: »

oops. just seen your latest photo and no, I don't think she looks chunky on that one. Even the second is borderline, it's the first that made me think she was. Is there a big difference in time between the three?

The first photo was last October, the second photo was Easter 2011 (I don't think she looks so "chunky" there) and the one in the boat was a month or so ago.

I'd say she doesn't look so "chunky" when dressed, because she's by no means massive, and clothes tend to hide it a bit. Its her thighs and tummy that seem to carry the weight, she doesn't have a double chin or fat arms etc. She also seems to have a naturally round looking face, unlike DS who has a long narrow one.

FBaby

Then it looks like she has definitely slimmed down. In that case, it shows you are doing exactly what is required.

By the way, I was a 'chunky' child exactly like yours. Rounded around the tummy and thighs, but slim otherwise. Well I slimmed down naturally when I was a teenager and at 42, I am the same size 10 then I was at 18, and my best asset is a -relatively- flat tummy!

I agree that size, unless the child is really overweight, shouldn't dictate a child's diet. If the portions are right and meals are well balanced, then that's what matters. My DD was very skinny as a child, then she became slim despite eating quite a bit. She is now 12, still very slim, but her diet is not so good -now that she is more independent-. I do remind her that she might be slim, it doesn't mean she can stuff herself with unhealthy snacks because one day she might very well find it harder to keep her figure. It is a bit hard to grasp because all her life she's heard that she is either too skinny or lucky to be slim, but that doesn't mean it is ok not to remind her about healthy eating and the effect that not following it could have.

JodyBPM

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This is the most recent photo of her I have on photobucket, taken a couple of weeks ago.

IMO, although I think shes absolutely gorgeous (and looking very grown up in this one) I do think she is rather more well covered than she should be. TBH an adult of these proportions I think would look fine, but as a 7 year old she should ideally be leaner than this. I'll re-iterate, I don't think she is "fat" but (going back to the point of this post) given that she is over her recommended weight, eats three good meals a day and is not complaining of being hungry, she absolutely does not need to eat any more than she does. DS however, is underweight and is complaining about being hungry, and IMO therefore needs to eat more.

rollnchips

Why do you disregard your Children's privacy OP?

j.e.j.

Could it be that your son just has a high metabolism and needs to eat more frequently? Protein things tend to stop the hunger pangs more. Maybe some milk or a yoghurt before bed, or some crackers?

I think you are being sensible not wanting your daughter to get to the stage where she's overweight. But she's bound to hear people talking about her, and I feel a bit cross that the nhs are labelling her as bordering on obese, grrr :mad:

(on a completely different topic, I look forward to having a fight with them when I next get my BMI checked as I don't fit neatly into their clever grid either :rotfl:)

Maybe instead of feeding them different things, just make sure your daughter does some exercise, walks or cycles to places, etc, so that she gets a chance to burn off her calories more?

@rollnchips, OP can always go back in and remove the pictures if she wants to..?

rollnchips

j.e.j. wrote: »

@rollnchips, OP can always go back in and remove the pictures if she wants to..?

Even the ones People have quoted?

Sorry but I think it's wrong to post images of your children over the internet like this. What was wrong with simply describing their situation without posting their faces into the homes of strangers.

Even if you do delete the images they will still be in their cache.

FBaby

rollnchips wrote: »

Why do you disregard your Children's privacy OP?

What is that about???? This is a concern mum posting. She makes it clear her DD is gorgeous (and she is indeed), so what is wrong? Or are you one of those who ruins the whole school events because they don't want their kids photographed by other parents because because....I still haven't figured that one out!!!

OP, I agree with you and I personally think it is very refreshing to read about a parent who sees their kids as they are and doesn't get all defensive at the idea that they could indeed be a bit over the ideal weight. I think your children are lucky that you are enough concerned about it to ask for advice.

It is difficult to have one child who needs to watch their weight when the other can do with gaining a bit. Really, unless your son is very active and your daughter isn't, their shouldn't be eating that much differently, ie, your son shouldn't be much hungrier, although of course, growth spurs need to be taken into account. My kids definitely gain an appetite of an ogre when they go through one! What you can do is encourage your son to have a healthy but filling snack, one that your daughter wouldn't feel to resentful having to do without.