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Name: Very Worried Mom

Dear All,
I am mother of 2 kids who are 7 and 3 yrs. old. Both my kids were on the lean side since they were born and infact when I was worried about it a bit in the beginnig, I was told that it' s perfectly ok to be on the slim side, but being healthy is what very important. Which I agreed and never worried about it with my second child..etc.

Now, my problem is just opposite. My older one who was on the slim side till last year, all of a sudden started putting some weight!. I thought, It could be one of those Growth spurts, you know.

she started going to a public school from last year. I guess it' s the school meal that she takes at school, during Lunch time. So I started packing her lunch there after. Though she is involved in many activities (mainly we put her in 2 sports so that she gets more work out time) she seems to be growing on the chubby side.
I' m trying to reduce the junk food items, candy..etc which I buy for her otherwise. I' m trying to tell her nicely that she needs to take more good food, not junks/fats. But at the same time, I do not want to hurt her feelings or I don' t want her to think that she is very fat..etc. Hope I' m doing the right things here...

But she herself one day told me that she wanted to do the ' Elliptical' exercise (the one we got at home for our own use) and then she says that she feels already her tummy went little inside! : (

I feel confused now , whether to agree with her (which might make her feel that she is fat and she might get an impression & hurt feelings), if I disagree, she may not realize the need for controlling, eating good food..etc. I' m totally confused. Pls.help.

Her current weight is 67 lbs (pounds) and she is 7.5 yrs old) Is this overweight?! OR Am I worried unnecessarily?!

Now Please friends, tell me what should I do at this point.

Questions:
1.IS it safe for a 7 year old to use the Elliptical Trainer?! ( I really doubt so). But I need opinions.. (Because I know a mom who let her daughter use the Tread Mill to do regular Walk! - 3 times a week)
2.What other ways/tips that I should follow to make her not to eat fatty foods?
3.How can I handle the situation, I mean low-fat diet to her, while I have another kid (3 yrs) who is afford to eat these items?!

Please please give me some suggestions, opinions here. I appreciate it!
- A very worried Mom.

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