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TheABC

Help motivating my daughter

My daughter is 15 years old and about 5-10 kilos overweight. I cook healthy meals at home but I know she buys junk food at the shops, or when I'm not around. I tell her she should get out and exercise but she never does - she's quite lazy. What can I do? I don't want her to keep putting on weight and then have confidence issues.

TheABC 22 months ago 2
Craig Harper

Okay, a few thoughts:

(1) 5-10  kilos is no reason to panic.
(2) “I tell her she should get out and exercise”. Be aware that (for the receiver) often there’s a fine line between encouraging and nagging and even though your motives are good, sometimes the only outcome you’ll create is resentment and disconnection. The decision and action needs to come from your daughter.
(3) Consider doing some exercise with her.
(4) Love her, encourage, her but don’t turn it into a big issue.
 

Craig Harper

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Comments from Other Users

CleaSanders
14 22 months ago

If you own a dog or are thinking about getting one they're really great to get people out of the house. Encourage her to join sports teams and clubs with her friends, as this will mean she can be with her friends, exercise and have fun. Most importantly don't blow it out of proportion! If she's really in trouble you could tale her to the doctor for a check-up because if a health professional tells someone they need to lose weight they're more likely to try to.

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Reubics
116 22 months ago

My mum did the same thing to me-what you have to understand is that it is up to your daughter to loose the weight and nobody else-she will do it when she is ready and telling her to she should get out and exercise or to stop buying the junk food isnt going to help. I agree with Craig-go out and do some exercise with her and build your relationship with her so she doesnt feel like she has to hide the junk food from you-it might take a while for her to be ready to say to herself 'I want to do this' but its the only way it will work.

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