Most troubling talk with kids? Weight!
Updated: January 24, 2013
CHAMPAIGN -- Parents have topics they're uncomfortable talking to their kids about; sex, drugs. It's hard to find the right way or time to bring it up. But those aren't the most difficult topics for a lot of parents. A study shows talking to kids about weight trumps them all. WCIA-3's Megan Brilley finds out why it's such a sensitive subject.
Some parents say it's almost taboo in their household, but one mom is confronting the issue head on. It's something Sheri Williamson knew she'd have to bring up to her 7-year old. Because, Sheri's struggled with her weight her entire life.
"I'm sensitive to that with her. I want to make sure she's in good health. I want to make sure she doesn't have to go through those struggles."
Gracen is in the first grade, but Williamson says she's already experienced bullying in class.
"She has talked about certain comments she hears other kids say at school."
Kelton Research surveyed 1,200 parents. 20% say talking to their young kids about weight was, by far, the most difficult. Williamson agrees.
"It's just a matter of how you do it."
The Stop Obesity Alliance says parents should ask open-ended questions and let kids express themselves. The group says it's important to let them know it's not about appearance, but rather, health.
Williamson says it helps her daughter to have a daily routine. When Gracen gets home, she does her homework, then has a snack. Through it all, Williamson keeps an open relationship with her daughter.
"It's really helping her to see her strengths, see her beauty."
"You need to determine, on your own, your own beauty. You have to make that for yourself."
A third of kids in the U.S. are already overweight. 17% are considered obese. Pediatricians say, no matter how hard it is, it's a conversation all parents need to have with their kids.
Some parents say it's almost taboo in their household, but one mom is confronting the issue head on. It's something Sheri Williamson knew she'd have to bring up to her 7-year old. Because, Sheri's struggled with her weight her entire life.
"I'm sensitive to that with her. I want to make sure she's in good health. I want to make sure she doesn't have to go through those struggles."
Gracen is in the first grade, but Williamson says she's already experienced bullying in class.
"She has talked about certain comments she hears other kids say at school."
Kelton Research surveyed 1,200 parents. 20% say talking to their young kids about weight was, by far, the most difficult. Williamson agrees.
"It's just a matter of how you do it."
The Stop Obesity Alliance says parents should ask open-ended questions and let kids express themselves. The group says it's important to let them know it's not about appearance, but rather, health.
Williamson says it helps her daughter to have a daily routine. When Gracen gets home, she does her homework, then has a snack. Through it all, Williamson keeps an open relationship with her daughter.
"It's really helping her to see her strengths, see her beauty."
"You need to determine, on your own, your own beauty. You have to make that for yourself."
A third of kids in the U.S. are already overweight. 17% are considered obese. Pediatricians say, no matter how hard it is, it's a conversation all parents need to have with their kids.
