You'd think that sex or drugs would top the list of difficult topics for parents to discuss with their kids. They aren't easy conversations, but there's a talk that makes parents even more uncomfortable - discusisng weight.
New research finds that while about one in 20 parents of teens struggle with discussing alcohol, drugs and smoking, and about one in 10 are uncomfortable talking with their teens about sex. But, get this, nearly a quarter of parents are hesitant to talk to their teens about being overweight. And how about this for concerning? According to the research, many parents (of kids ages 8-17) may avoid the subject of weight altogether.
Obviously, the results are concerning as weight is the source of so many health issues for children and adults. Hansa Bhargava, M.D., Medical Director of fit says, "The irony is that, in a culture almost obsessed with finding solutions to surging childhood obesity rates, something as simple as talking to your kids about healthy habits and, thus, healthy weight, poses perhaps the greatest challenge to parents."
{related: eating disorders in children}
Of the parents surveyed, almost none felt that doctors should be primarily responsible for teaching kids about the dangers of things like smoking, drugs or sex. But when it came to weight, one in five believed that doctors should be the ones having the discusison with their kids.
"Weight has become such an emotionally charged and pervasive subject, especially in a culture that is highly image-driven," says Susan Bartell, Psy.D., nationally recognized obesity expert. "Broaching this subject can be extremely intimidating for parents, especially given that parents themselves may be struggling with weight."
{related: fat talk is a big no no in front of your children}
This new research was conducted as part of fit, a partnership between WebMD and Sanford Health promoting health and wellness and working to preven childhood obesity among kids ages 2-18.
Have you ever talked about weight with your kids? Do the results of this survey surprise you? Here's what you're saying about this topic on the HeadDrama Facebook page:
