Parent - child discussions on obesity and eating habits
Listen to the interview below between a father and his daughter and identify one bad communication aspect. How would you change it into something positive?
The interview was created through C4H project.
Nasca Ramona Cecilia - I think that it’s not okay for the dad to make her feel bad or guilty for not doing any sports. Also it’s not okay to make a comparison between her and her brother. He should make her see the importance of sports and inspire her to do some kind of activity she likes.
ReplyDeleteI believe that a parent should not impose his child the things that he once could not do , to overturn his own frustrations from his youth over his children.The vast majority of parents who have lacked some things their childhood, develop a certain interior frustration that without realising, they convey it around themselves to they close ones . Indeed the discussion is beneficial, it wants to change the unhealthy way of life into a healthy one through small and effective steps but the abuse is wrong.The balance that the father creates between the 2 brothers, and in the brother's avanatage does not favor at all the relationship between the two.A parent could have a simple discussion maybe in another context through which to suggest certain aspects of sports or nutrition without creating inconvenience or anxiety. At the same time, the girl seems mature enough to determine what her priorities are, considering that mentality and mental alertness are more important than physical appearance.
ReplyDeleteIt's clear from the beginning of the conversation that the father doesn't approve of how his child is "taking care" of their health. I think it's a flawed approach because initially, he talks about everyone in the family and what they should change together, but by the end of the conversation, all the questions and statements are directed at the daughter. This can make her feel pressured and humiliated. It's definitely not a beneficial method because it can lead the daughter to view her body differently in the future and put her at risk for developing eating disorders and body image problems.
ReplyDeleteI believe that parents are the main way of influencing our aspirations as well as the lifestyle we lead, the father wants to guide his daughter to a healthy lifestyle, even to follow it together, but still he does not hold back from making some remarks to the girl that can be quite uncomfortable and that could affect her on her way to living a healthy lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteMothers and fathers who engaged in weight-related conversations had adolescents who were more likely to diet, use unhealthy weight control behaviors, and engage in binge eating. Overweight/obese adolescents whose mothers engaged in conversations that were focused only on healthful eating behaviors were less likely to diet and use unhealthy weight control behaviors. Additionally, sub-analyses with adolescents with data from two parents showed that when both parents engaged in healthful eating conversations, their overweight/obese adolescent children were less likely to diet and use unhealthy weight control behaviors.
ReplyDeleteI firmly believe that parents should avoid imposing their unrealized dreams and ambitions onto their children, in an attempt to rectify their own frustrations from youth. Many parents who experienced deprivation during their own childhoods develop a deep-seated frustration, which they may unconsciously transmit to their loved ones. Although discussions aimed at encouraging healthier lifestyles are undoubtedly beneficial, it is crucial to conduct these conversations without resorting to imposition or creating harm. The father's apparent favoritism towards one brother over the other can severely damage their sibling relationship. Rather, parents should consider suggesting ideas about sports or nutrition in a more indirect and considerate manner, fostering a nurturing and supportive environment. Furthermore, the daughter appears to possess enough maturity to determine her own priorities, placing greater importance on mental sharpness and mindset over mere physical appearance.
ReplyDeleteIt's important to approach weight and health with sensitivity and respect, especially when it comes to children. A father forcing his daughter to lose weight and do sports might have good intentions, such as promoting a healthy lifestyle, but such actions can also lead to negative physical and emotional consequences. Encouraging healthy habits should be done through positive reinforcement and support rather than coercion, ensuring the child's mental well-being and fostering a healthy relationship with food and exercise.
ReplyDeleteThe father, caring about his daughter welfare, is trying to persuade her to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Unfortunately, he has no idea how to conduct a conversation with a teenager, especially a girl. The whole setup is wrong, they are in front of a TV set so there is no eye contact, he did not prepare and documented for such an intimate conversation, he has no patience to listen to her, he pays no attention to her feelings and aspirations and he is not able to structure his ideas so the outcome is predictable – the teenager is offended and not willing to follow her father’s advice.
ReplyDeleteI consider that when it comes to teenagers, parenting by example and serving as role models to our children should be our focus. They observe and imitate our behaviour so seeing a permanent parental consistency in adopting a healthy lifestyle is the best course of action to influence their future development in physically fit and responsible adults.