Overweight unmotivated 4 year old

amother

Bronze

Thu, May 24 2018, 8:38 pm

My son just turned 4. He is very overweight. He loves sweets and cake but eats a mostly healthy and balanced diet because that’s what we all eat at home. He has a family history of obesity. But also, he does not move. He has a very lacadasical personality and does everything very slowly. I know it’s mean cuz I’m his mom but I would call him unmotivated or lazy. (Of course never out loud)
When we go to the park he sits on a bench, when we play at home he lies on a chair. I take him to a sensory gym 2-3x weekly. He plays while seated. He refuses to help himself beyond what is absolutely necessary. I offer rewards for chores, positive reinforcement... he will chose to forgo a reward, even when his other (7 and 5 yrs old) siblings are willing and eager.
It is so hard to watch him spend all day in a chair, and so frustrating that he refuses to help out at home- even to help himself (when he comes out of the bathroom he asks me to pull up his pants. When I remind him that he can do it himself he walks around with no pants- until a guests enters and then he can put them back on)
He has been evaluated for ot and Pt. Because of these concerns. He was not approved because he performed well.
What can I do to motivate him???

amother

Pumpkin

Thu, May 24 2018, 11:04 pm

Did you test him for celiac?

A 4 year old isn't unmotivated. What you are describing is a lethargic child. And if his family history has weight issues maybe the food that is basically healthy doesn't agree with this family and can be adjusted.

Kiwi13

Thu, May 24 2018, 11:17 pm

Whatever is causing it is probably becoming a vicious cycle - underlying cause —> weight issue —> hard to move —> worsening of weight issue —> harder to move...

Keep at it with his pediatrician and/or specialists. It can be hard to track down less common problems, but don’t give up. Keep advocating for your child.