Should teachers raise the issue of weight with the parents of overweight or obese children in their classroom?

Should teachers raise the issue of weight with the parents of overweight or obese children in their classroom?

A recent study of over 5000 preschool children has found that often parents are not aware that their child is overweight or obese. This has implications for teachers when talking to parents about their child’s weight.

The research was conducted by Professor Wake of the Centre for Community Health in Melbourne. She found that some parents have ‘extreme misconceptions’ about the weight of their child; with some parents of underweight children concerned their children were overweight and others who were not concerned about their child’s weight when they should have been.

Teachers who are worried about an overweight or obese child often ask whether it is appropriate to broach the subject of the child’s weight with his or her parents. It may be appropriate and necessary if it is apparent that:

• the cause is related to the amount or type of food and drink the child consumes, as observed at school
• the child is having difficulty participating in class, for example can’t sit with crossed legs, or participate in more active tasks
• the child is having difficulty making friends
• the child is suffering from health issues, such as difficulty concentrating, shortness of breath, inability keeping up when the class moves around the school.

Before talking to parents it is best to consult first with a senior staff member, such as the Principal, and a health professional at the school such as the school nurse to plan your approach. It is important when talking to parents that you frame your discussions in terms of healthy weight and healthy lifestyle rather than losing weight and dieting.

For more tips see the Working with overweight and obese children ebooklet.