During my 4 hours of field work over the last two weeks, I was able to interact with the administration, a few families, the children, and also the Family Service Worker for the center. It was very nice to meet the Family Service Worker Ms. G. It almost seemed that she was an advocate for the childhood obesity. I spent also the whole two hours with her the one day and also observed her speaking with a parent about a nutrition plan, it was too perfect. Ms. G., reviewed the health plan form with me that they use for the children. First she explained that they weigh the children every 6 months to see what their BMI is. Once they get their BMI, they complete a Health plan for the child if they are over weight or under weight. The parent has to take the form to the doctor, and the doctor completes the Health plan giving the family information about diets, and restrictions if any. Ms. G, stated "It's great because we get most of the health plans back completed and the doctor gives the family good nutrition information". Ms. G. and the Director also explained that they do workshops with the parents regarding nutrition. They show the parents how to read food labels, explain how to look at servings, and also give them hand outs and information form MyPlate.org.
During my visit, Ms. G. met with a parent to review the health plan with her because she didn't understand it. I was able to sit in the lobby and observe their conversation. Ms. G. was very patient with the parent and went over the health plan step by step. She took the time to explain everything, and she used words that the parent could understand. Ms. G. also explained to the parent what kind of health issues can occur if the child doesn't start to eat healthier diet (which I felt may have been a little too much for the parent). Ms. G. gave the parent a lot of information and also offered to got to the doctor with her. I learned from this meeting that you have to talk to parents in a certain way if you want them to listen and respond. I learned that if you talk to parents and not at them, they are more receptive to your help and guidance. I spoke with the parent afterward and she stated "I always want to help my children, I just don't know how or where to start sometimes". I asked her if she was offended at all about what the Family Service Worker was talking to her about and she said "No, she was very helpful and she convinced me that my child's weight is an issue and it's not something that he will grow out of". I learned that if you know what you are talking about, and you have the right information, parents want to learn and want to help their children. I learned that in order to be an advocate, you really need to know what you are advocating for and believe in it. Sometimes I think it may be kind of scary to speak to parents about childhood obesity or children being overweight because you never know how they will react, but I have learned from last few interactions at the school that parents actually want to learn, and want help, it just has to be done in the right way.
These last few weeks really have helped me be more comfortable with my advocacy efforts, and even writing my advocacy paper.
It's amazing to me that on top of all the other things we have to 'teach' we also have to worry about the weight of children and help as well as teach parents about proper nutrition. I know it's hard for parents when they have a child that is overweight but I guess it's our job too to teach parents about proper nutrition Does it work? Do parents listen? Do kids eat the right foods at school and then go home and eat junk food because that's all they can afford at home?
ReplyDeleteHello Tracy,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading about your interview and topic of obesity. I agree with your comments regarding how we talk with families. I also think it's important for teachers to build relationships with families, so when difficult situations arise, the respect and trust has already been established which makes it a little easier to discuss difficult issues such as obesity. I also think it's important for educators, to keep their personal thoughts and feelings out of the way and stick with the facts, documentations, or observations. Being a parent of a child with special needs and many other issues including obesity, I would agree that families want the best for the children. Many times, families have tried so many things that they are willing to try whatever they can to help their child. It's not that families don't want what's best for their children, at times families become overwhelmed and exhausted. I think most families are eagerly willing to work with someone who can help them but strategies in place to prevent obesity. When working with families, even simple suggestions are helpful. Something as simple as, you should read this book, or article could mean so much to a family.
Hi Tracy,
ReplyDeleteI would be so nervous to talk to parents about their child being overweight. It's a very touchy subject for some people. My cousin is overweight but my aunt just doesn't realize it. He eats so much junkfood that it discusts me. The doctor tell her that he is overweight but she thinks he is fine. How to you tell a parent like my aunt that she needs to do something about it?