My daughter told me she didn't want to go to camp this summer because she didn't like it. The lack of activity and poor eating habits have left her 15 pounds heavier and I am worried! We don't keep junk food in the house and I always encourage healthy choices. I just feel so helpless. She is playing soccer this fall and I am hoping that being back to school will help too. Does anyone have any suggestions for nutrition classes and fun activities that will keep my 9 year-old moving?
Try www.my-gym.com located in River Forest. They are GREAT and they focus on childhood obesity. My daughter just loves going there.
Summer is usually the busiest time of a childs life. I don't understand the weight gain because she didn't go to camp. Why not bicycle riding, jump rop, hop scotch, four square, and the hundreds of games that they learn all year long. Better keep her active all winter or she'll suffer by next summer. Good luck mom
I actually grew up in River Grove. We used to go for walks, play at the playground, walk to the library and other friends houses. If you don't feel comfortable with her doing those things alone then maybe you can do them with her. If you have a big enough drive way or stretch of sidewalk out front then she can ride a bike or rollerblade and still be close by. Does she have some friends that she can do those things with?
Hi L.,
Please don't feel bad. It's a sad trend! I have a nine year old son and I have to make him go outside to play and ride his bike. It's almost like asking him to do the dishes. (You couldn't keep me inside the house at his age) And my circle of friends who have children the same age, of both genders, say the same thing. They rather play on the computer, or on one of those gaming systems (DS, PSP, Gameboy etc.) Since my daughter is almost two I encourage them to play more by going to the park, playing in the yard, and the zoo. (A family membership to Brookfield is worth every penny with young children) I wouldn't worry too much, it will pass, if she stays in an activity and your habits are healthy she'll be fine.
