-Diablo's Journal, 12 Jun 19

Wow that great @key! Are you an educator/teacher? 

@Keyten...my bf has a special needs son (down syndrome). I think sometimes it is difficult to say 'no' when you know your child has other challenges. Or, if you are a single parent and have limited visitation. There is a part of you that may want to give them all they ask for. My bf's son actually complains and says he is too fat. Of course, he doesn't understand why. Also, he is less coordinated so not as physically active. I know from my colleagues - some are also on meds that may cause weight gain or make them sleepy. It would be helpful to find more physical, fun activities that can get them moving where the parent isn't scared on child's physical limitations. Or educate parents on knowing it's safe to let go a little more for certain conditions.  

There are also a lot of respiratory concerns. 

@Ketyen...oh, I whole-heartedly agree! It is definitely not the job of educator to teach parents. Unfortunately, some kids aren't in the position to reiterate what they learned. Do you have any suggestions for fun, safe, physical activities for kids with DS?  

@Keyten...perhaps I came off wrong. If I did, I apologize. I think it is commendable that nutrition is being included in the learning process! Since you are more experienced with special needs children, I thought you'd would be a good resource to ask about this. Since I am in kind of the 'step-mom' role, the food thing is not an easy battle I will win. I have to be a little more creative in how I go about adding my 2 cents.  

I'm a line hopper. 

What about activities that can be done at home? Visitation is limited and grandma likes to capitalize time some times, so coordinating a class can be difficult.  

The food battle is moreso with Dad who wants to spoil...kid is a human garbage disposal - will eat close to anything as long as he can't see certain veggies.  

Okay. I will start there with dance work outs. He loves music. Outdoors...he is scared of grass! lol. And MD winter can be a little brutal. Good thing, it's warming up now. Will try to get him to the pool...but think Dad may be too hesitant about that.... 

We have a good relationship and he tells me his feelings on things (in the best way he knows how)...I know being heavy is a concern of his but giving suggestions to a parent about their kid is not always welcomed. So I have to find other ways to help. Thank you! 

Awww...how sweet! Thanks! 

I'm so glad I am too afraid to have surgery(ies) or I probably would have just done it. It means so much more to say that I did it on my own and to actually work to overcome my wrong ideas about eating instead of getting a weight loss surgery and then never dealing with the food issues. And- now that I have noticeable weight loss again and people ask how I'm doing it- I can see they are both proud of me- but disappointed when I say I lift an hour a day and eat when I am hungry and a normal amount of calories and I don't have some magic new tea to drink or pill to try. I was always hoping for the magic pill too. Thankful and excited that I am going to be overweight instead of obese very soon and then regular weight instead of overweight. Yay me! I could potentially be within my IBWR by February.  

You're doing an amazing job, wife! I thought this was talking about heart surgery, I didn't think about stomach stapling. I hope this doesn't shame anyone who has had it, that wasn't my intention. 

Ooohhhh. I don't know what it means. I thought it was saying take pills and have the surgery but now I see what you're saying. Ingles por favor. 🤣 

For some people surgery is needed... Like my sister whose health was terrible from becoming morbidly obese... So yeah... To each his own. Still glad I was able to do it without it.  

I put what it says at the top. It just says medication and surgeries vs. a lifestyle change. 

Yeah I know... It was a joke. I guess you can take it either way but it probably meant what you said as opposed to bariatric.  

I kind of disagree on just teaching kids is the teacher's job, as a teacher I guess I always enjoy educating parents too. It was a way for the parents to continue what their child is learning. And sometimes people just don't know. We are suppose to b a village. Working together. Learning together. For a child to learn good eating habits and to exercise you need to do it with them. Shopping for food, cooking the food. Swim, walk, whatever. And just because a child is Special Needs, or has one parent doesn't mean they don't deserve the best you can do to make them responsible healthy functioning adults.  

I think it's about what parents transmit to children over the opposite, at least till they are teens. It's not connected to special needs in particular but how you educate your kids.  

@Maxhomey...Absolutely! He definitely deserves the best and I believe that there is no limit to what he can accomplish. Dad has taught him a lot about being a gentleman. He opens doors for ladies and always offers to carry things. Dad is naturally over protective of all those close to him...what do they call it - a helicopter person? Esp. since his son also has a habit of running away and isn't well coordinated. Also, activities can be costly. I'd be willing to chip in but I also don't want to overstep. I like the idea of participating with them - going to look up some hip hop exercise routines and casually send out an invite to the pool one day when I go. Perhaps I can get Dad to be less anxious...fingers crossed.