If you’re considering sending your child to weight loss camp this summer and have not discussed it with them yet, you may be wondering what the best approach is to take in “breaking the news.” Consider how this decision will be interpreted by your child. They have likely heard the horror stories associated with “fat camps” and will probably be resistant to the idea. It is also important that they understand that you’re sending them to camp out of love and care for them, not because you want to get rid of them or you do not like the person that they are.
In a child’s mind, especially younger children, it is difficult for them to understand that a fitness camp is something that is going to benefit them for the rest of their lives. Instead, they may view it as “punishment” for being overweight.
Therefore, it is your responsibility as a parent to explain to your child why they will be attending. You will know better than anyone else how well your child will be able to comprehend the potential health risks that are associated with obesity in children and whether or not it is even worth it to try and explain these things to your child.
In some cases, it is best to focus on the fun that your child will have when “selling” them on the idea. Focusing on the fun will help to ease your child’s apprehension about the fitness camp. And, of course, the less apprehensive your child is about going, the less you’ll be concerned about their success and less likely you will be to put unnecessary pressure on them.
The most important part about having this conversation with your child is making sure that your child does not feel like they’re being sent off as a form of punishment. Yes, they are going because they need help getting the weight loss process started, but who was the parent that let them get overweight in the first place? Frame the experience as an opportunity to spend a lot of time outside, meet new friends, and learn new fun games and activities that they enjoy. Answer any questions that they have about the weight loss camp honestly and positively and work to build a sense of excitement about the program. The bottom line is that the more excited and comfortable your child is, the more successful they will be.
