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Deb, congratulations on your foresight and thank you for helping your son! Weight problems usually get an early start and I know it's difficult for parents to know how, and how much, to help. There is a fine line between teaching good eating habits and being so controlling that when the child finally gets his/her freedom, he goes overboard. (I was "never" allowed to buy candy bars when I was a kid--so I made up for it when I was a teenager with my own money alone in a store! Very bad.) I think one of the hardest things (for children AND adults) is learning the difference between willpower and discipline. Willpower has very little value in the long run; discipline has immense value. So you are really helping your son now that you've found No S. Moms and daughters living together will ALWAYS have challenges (just ask me how I know! LOL), but I am sure you've made progress and will continue to do so. If your mom basically approves of the common-sense approach you have taken, as she continues to see good results in both you and your son, I imagine that the thoughtless sabotage episodes will decrease. She probably had loving motives, and if those can be tactfully redirected to non-food treats and special times, she should still find plenty of ways to "spoil" her grandson without injuring him for life. Diane [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] |
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