[Kaeleemommy]

I'm having a problem with my 6-year-old daughter, whom i love more than life itself. My husbands parents had her spoiled rotten since she was about 2 yrs old. They gave her everything she asked for, mainly food and tv. I think that may be why that is all she wants to do now. She's not overweight, she's is about average for her age, with a little belly. But she loves to eat. From the time she wakes up she's asking for food every hour or so. And she wants to lie around and watch tv all day. I make suggestions about going to the park or swimming or reading, ect, and all she does is whine and say she's tired! I've tried grounding her from the tv, grounding her to her room, standing her in the corner, spanking, yelling (never fun!), nothing is getting through to her, she just cries and whines more ("i'm tired, i'm hungry/thirsty, i want to watch tv!"). She only visits her grandparents for a few hours one day a week now, but i still can't seem to break her bad habit. My husband and I work out every day because we know it is important to be healthy and active. I want my daughter to have the same values but i don't know how to help her. I'm on the brink of insanity. Someone please help!

[Alejandros Mommy]

Do the grandparents continue to spoil her? I would have a talk with them...I understand that grandparents do spoil their granchildren BUT they should realize that you are the parents and that they need to abide by you r rules...

As for your DD I suggest invloving her in your work outs....limiting the amount of food she eats..and if she wants snacks having only healthy things in the house so she gets used to eating those....Don't let her bully you...you are the parent...I applaude that you are doing something right now...It is so much easier to change a childs eating habits now then when they are older. Involve her on making meals..give her a couple healthy choices so she can be involved. Make it her responsibility to set up the table...to get her involved. Go for walks with her to the play ground...make going outside fun.

You could also do a chart of the things she does...reward her for making healthy choices...use stickers and small things (no food) you don't want her to think food is a reward.

Hope this helps I have a 7 year old that now prefers healthy food over junk...we still have junk every now and then BUT we don't make it a big deal in the house. Good luck with your DD

[twinzplus3]

I'm not sure why you just don't turn the t.v. off? As far as eating, I let my kids eat all day if they want. . .but not whatever they want. Water during the day, milk at meals, and hardly ever juice and soda on special occassions only. They are allowed to snack incessantly on fruits and veggies. Even right before dinner bc in reality I could care less if they 'spoil' their dinner on broccoli and carrot sticks.

As far as exercise, why don't you all do something as a family? Frisbee, cycling, etc. I wouldn't want to go play by myself. You're just goona have to pull up your boot straps and say no.

[twinzplus3]

Oh and btw. . .I only allow my kids 30 minutes of computer or t.v. time. If they want more (and they almost always do) they ahve to earn it by doing chores, reading or exercising.

[QueenAngie]

Welcome to the board!


Plan with your daughter a bike ride w/ snacks/drinks
or
a hike in the park
or
invite a couple of her friends to join you for swimming.

Limiting TV time is always helpful too.

[katesbirdworld]

What about a mother daugher excersise group. Maybe they have one at the local Y or some place.

Originally Posted by Kaeleemommy

I'm having a problem with my 6-year-old daughter, whom i love more than life itself. My husbands parents had her spoiled rotten since she was about 2 yrs old. They gave her everything she asked for, mainly food and tv. I think that may be why that is all she wants to do now. She's not overweight, she's is about average for her age, with a little belly. But she loves to eat. From the time she wakes up she's asking for food every hour or so. And she wants to lie around and watch tv all day. I make suggestions about going to the park or swimming or reading, ect, and all she does is whine and say she's tired! I've tried grounding her from the tv, grounding her to her room, standing her in the corner, spanking, yelling (never fun!), nothing is getting through to her, she just cries and whines more ("i'm tired, i'm hungry/thirsty, i want to watch tv!"). She only visits her grandparents for a few hours one day a week now, but i still can't seem to break her bad habit. My husband and I work out every day because we know it is important to be healthy and active. I want my daughter to have the same values but i don't know how to help her. I'm on the brink of insanity. Someone please help!

[MissyChrissy]

I agree that snacking on healthy stuff all day isn't a problem. We only have carrots, apples, celery, or cucumbers for snacks available here. I also "work out" every day, and I take all 4 of my kids with me. Conner gets to ride in the jogging stroller while his older sisters either, jog or ride their bikes while I run. It's not an option....it's expected of them. We're gone for approximately an hour.

In my house, I'm the "boss" and when I say we're going to do something, it's not even questioned. I just say, "it's time to go to the park" and everyone gets ready. I don't give orders like, "go outside & play" but specific requests such as "lets get in the pool." or go for a bikeride (or whatever). Now, my older girls frequently ask me if they can do these things on their own (without me) when I'm busy doing other things. They still go during my evening run time too though. But the habit of being busy outside is being established by me actually taking them with me & doing stuff with them.

Good luck...I know how frustrating it is when it feels like "everyone else" is just being lazy and you're the only one trying to do any motivating. That's when I pull my "I'm the mom & this is what we're doing" trump card.

[oweirdo]

Gotta love that trump card!! maybe a pet for her to play with, a dog outside in the yard my kids always want to play with her, take her for walks bathe her. But they always want to be outside.