My daughter is about to turn 6. She just started Kindergarten this September. For her 5-year-old checkup the doctor told me what I didn't want to hear - my daughter's height & weight put her at a statistically higher risk for obesity and therefore the diseases that go along with it. Doc's advice was to not worry too much, cut back on her juice and be sure to get her involved in daily physical activity.
Now you wouldn't look at her and think that she's fat. I doubt you'd even call her "pleasantly plump." She's just large compared to her peers. You might have even dismissed the doctor's warning. But I was worried. I was worried of a lifetime of teasing. Of being picked last. Of self-hate. Of never ending anxiety. Of failing as a father to set a good example - or worse, enabling it all to happen.
 |
| Not the body I imagine as "at risk" for obesity |
My fears didn't paralyze me. That would just be an excuse. But I didn't really do much to help. All I did was cut back the juice, try to encourage healthful eating, and play outside as often as the weather allowed. No, that's a lie. That's what my wife did. I poured juice, justified junk food, and taught her how to play Nintendo. And to top it off, I led by example.
Now her 6-year-old checkup is on coming up fast, and just like when you eat healthfully in the days leading up to your own checkup, I needed to start setting a better example... but I'm still a sucker for Mario.
No comments:
Post a Comment