Fat Kids! (kid workout)

 

 My daughter and I, starting an evening hike.

The following has been weighing on my mind (pun intended) since my children got home from their Dad's house this last week, and that is the matter of childhood obesity.  My kids came home, explaining that they had played with a little girl that was quite fat.  Not chubby, they said "FAT."  In the words of my oldest  "she isn't a cylinder, but close."  LOL my kid makes me laugh.  Cylinder?  Really? LOL 

The matter was also brought to my attention as my kids explained they had not had the best diet for the last two weeks, saying they had drank soda regularly and ate candy often. They all came home craving fatty, sugary, highly processed foods.  It is so sad, I never thought my children would be placed in a situation where good nutrition and healthy living wouldn't be a priority.

As I discussed this with a friend the question of became "Why isn't diet and nutrition considered when evaluating some one's parenting skills?"  Neglecting a child's diet, is still neglect! In fact it is down right abusive.

What about providing your child with healthy play?  Sitting a child in from of a TV, is not healthy.  And you can no longer just assume that if your kids are outside that they are getting enough exercise, especially if they are being packed full of empty calories.  Just like adults, if your child consumes more calories than they use, they will gain weight. 

Our children's health is at risk and we are facing an obesity epidemic in this nation.  Our nation's children are now dealing with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, sleep problems, and  liver disease, serious health conditions because of obesity.

Socially, obese children are teased and are discriminated against.  The world is tough enough without being handicapped by fat.  Overweight children are more likely to to suffer from low self esteem and depression, all of which can lead to even more problems.  Parents need to put themselves in their child's shoes... would you want to be taunted or called a cylinder? (Yes, I spoke to my son and told him not to be mean to the little girl, he should try and be nice to her as I am sure she is neglected.) 

I think obese girls have it even worse.  Boys get told they are big boned (not true) or that their size will help them with sports like football (kind of true).  But little girls can be very mean and the meanest to the "fat' girl.  The "fat girl" in the class is often an outcast, with few friends.  Weight can change a child's whole social experience.

Now, please do not get me wrong, we all should teach our kids to be kind and tolerant of those who are different and bullying no matter the reason is always wrong.  I know children that are too thin also get teased (Rosie I am thinking of you on that one).  But children, (like adults) will try and self regulate something they perceive as "not good."  And being fat is "not good," its literally dangerous! And children being immature and sometimes mean spirted can tease a child in hopes to change that person within their society.  

I changed my life (through exercise and diet) for my little girl.  I had one of the "Ahh ha" moments and told myself I wouldn't be the fat Mom that would embarrass my daughter.  I told myself, I wanted to be the example and I didn't want her (Uma) to grow up to be fat herself.  I think we all know it is best to lead by example.

Honestly, one of my kids struggles with his weight. While in in my house, he eats a mostly organic vegetarian diet.  And he gets plenty of exercise!  He swims everyday, rides his bike, and hikes the trails with me and his siblings.  I encourage exercise as a family.  I want the fun activities we do to become a part of his life that he will cherish and form habits that will make him a successful (but not well rounded LOL) adult.  

Moms, is your hobby baking and cooking?  Well quit letting your kids eat the batter and lick the spoon and go buy a "f"ing treadmill.  Go for a walk, go for a swim, go to the gym!!  Quit enabling your fat kids and your own large butt.

I know my words seem harsh but so many of us are just blind to what we are doing to our kids.  Would you be nice if I told you someone beat their child?   Well this is equals out  to be the same thing to me.

 Two of my kids during a family trail run.  Can you feel the love? 

Today's workouts is for kids and is a re-post from a licensed children's crossfit gym with some small alterations for at home exercise. Kids should do one workout, 6 days a week.

Bigs (11-16 year olds):
5 Pull Ups
10 Push Ups
15 Squats
Run for 8 minutes

Smalls (7-10 year olds):
3 Pull Ups
5 Push Ups
10 Squats
Run for 8 minutes

ALL
8 rounds of 20 seconds of work followed by 10 seconds rest:
- Box Jumps
- Sit Ups
- Push Ups
- Squats
- Jumping jacks

ALL
5 rounds
10 Box Jumps
10 Pull Ups
10 Second Handstand/Headstand