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| Eating
Disorders/Obesity |
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| Saying
No to Your Child's Overeating
Dr. Phil explains why it's important to put your
responsibility as a parent above your desire to give
your children what they want.
- If you are worried about hurting
your child's feelings by not giving him/her what
he/she wants to eat, remember that refusing to give
your child unhealthy foods could actually save his/her
life.
- Understand that it's not always
important that your child likes you. Sometimes what
is important is that your child respects the boundaries
that you've put down. It's your job to do what you
need to do as a parent to ensure your child's well-being,
whether he/she likes it or not.
- The fact that you may be uncomfortable
saying no to your child does not release you of
your responsibility to do so when it's in your child's
best interest. That's why parenting is hard. Parents
have to step up to the plate and do what needs to
be done, whether they end up being the bad guy or
not.
- Remember that your job as a parent
is not to tell your child what he/she wants to hear.
Your job is to tell your child what he/she needs
to hear.
- Do not use food as a reward. You
can love your child in different ways without food.
Why not reward your child with your time? Reading
a bedtime story, taking a walk or playing catch
are things you can do to connect with your child
and make them feel special without unnecessary calories.
- Don't use food to medicate your
child emotionally. It might make your child feel
good for the moment, but he/she could pay a high
physical, emotional and social price for your unwillingness
to step up and do what is required instead of what
feels good at the time.
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