The Mr. took No. 1 to his last well-child doctor's visit. I should have gone. I'm such an information junkie that I ask so many questions of The Mr. after things like this that it would have just made more sense for me to have gone.
I was shocked to learn that No. 1 is in the 91st percentile for weight. Dr. N, who I absolutely love, sent a note home about increasing the amount of fruits and veggies No. 1 eats and decreasing the amount of fats and sugars he eats.
Now, it's no secret that The Mr. and I are on the heavy side. We still try to have the kids eat relatively healthy. I know that's kind of an oxymoron, but I pack healthy lunches for them (when I pack lunches!) and I generally try to have healthy dinners for them. There is always fruit in the house and most dinners have veggies with them. With three kids and a one-hour commute, though, sometimes it's hard to cook the good stuff every night.
I try not to make a big deal out of what we're eating. It's natural for kids to ask for dessert every day, but I make a point of telling them that "we don't have dessert every day." And I know they really appreciate it when they do get treats. (And yes I know it's more than just dessert.)
But now I've put No. 1's eating habits under the microscope and I wish I didn't. He's a 10-year-old boy who is full of energy and very active. So when he says he's hungry I believe him. And usually don't tell him no. But I've found myself lately telling him that he's "had enough" at dinner. And I hate that. I hate wondering if he really is hungry and I've just sent him to bed with a growling tummy.
I'm not saying that some of our family eating habits shouldn't change. I know that. And I realize that the eating habits he has now will likely stick with him for the rest of his life. What I'm trying to say is that ... geez, I don't even really know what I'm trying to say.
I mean, really, does this look like an overweight kid to you?
91st percentile weight for a child is a useless measurement without the corresponding age and height (If he's 90th percentile for height, he's "just right". And of course there is a range...) Also, bone and muscle weigh more than fat, so body composition could also disguise weight.
Exactly. And unfortunately I didn't ask The Mr. for his height percentage. I could easily call the doc for it, but she was concerned enough to send the note home about what to eat.
NOOOO! He looks like a fine boy and he is getting ready for puberty. Therefor, yeah, keep your eye on him, but what you are doing seems to be working beautifully. Stop worrying.
he doesn't look overwieght at all. both of my kids are around 50% for weight, but the oldest is usually 25-30% for height and the youngest around 75%. in both cases the pediatrician told us not to worry as long as they stay in the same percentages. (if the oldest gets to 75% weight and stays 30 for height, we have a problem). i'd call the dr, perhaps having him re-look at the numbers would make him realize that he's as fine as he looks ;)
This issue is so incendiary right now because of the high and increasing incidence of obesity and type 2 in American youth. It is sad.
Your son looks beautiful and healthy. That said, as the mother of 8 and 10 year old boys there is also nothing wrong with telling your son/our sons they have had enough. I usually say drink a glass of water and if you are still hungry in 20 minutes talk to me. They rarely come back and when they do they generally are not hungry for celery with peanut butter. I figure they are not hungry for food, but rather for stimulation, attention, or who knows what.
Keep doing what you are doing you seem to be on the right path.
Just want to say hello and to say I think you all are fantastic! I am dxed diabetic type 2 since 2003.Thanks for showing me life goes on!