Dear Coleen

OUR GRANDSON HAS GOT SO BIG HE LOOKS OBESE

Our youngest daughter has two boys, and the eldest has always been a bit chubby.

His dad is quite big, so I think some of it is genetic.

However, he also has a big appetite and his parents never say no to him when it comes to things like fizzy drinks and crisps.

Since lockdown, he’s gained so much weight he now looks obese.

He’s only 13 and I worry about his health. All he does is sit on his Xbox and eat junk food.

We bought him a bike last Christmas but he never goes on it.

I want to say something to my daughter but I’m not sure how to approach it. My husband thinks we should just keep quiet.

Coleen says

It’s very hard to interfere with somebody else’s parenting. Your daughter will just think you’re criticising her as a parent.

I’m sure deep down she knows he’s overweight. If it were me, however, I think I’d probably say something.

You don’t have to be unkind about it, or point out that he’s really fat, but rather say you’re worried about his health.

You could try saying something about Boris Johnson encouraging people to lose weight in the wake of Covid-19, or maybe suggest getting his thyroid or hormones checked out.

The older you get, the harder it is to lose weight, so it’s better to tackle this now.

Lockdown is easing, so there’s no reason for him not to be getting out and about.

Whatever you do, don’t let your grandson know about your concerns because he’ll feel very self-conscious, which could lead to body image issues.

Tread carefully.