Sue Scheff - Bullying, Obesity, Friendship, Family and Grumble Bluff

I just read the most lovely and educational book called Grumble Bluff by Karen Bessey Pease. This tale tells of two young girls in that difficult and awkward stage of tweens - one is overweight and one has a horrific and painful situation she is living with. Both are bullied and teased relentlessly. Even reading how some kids are so mean made me feel so sad and angry on the inside.

If you are a parent of a teen or tween - buy this book today - read it and have your child read it. You will feel warm inside at the end and then anxious for the second book. Kathy and Greta (characters) will become part of your family too - and what a great way to open lines of communication between you and your kids.

Sue Scheff: Emotional Impact of Child Obesity

The Big Hurt

Millions of parents worry about child obesity as they see their kids eating too many unhealthy foods or not getting enough exercise. Health experts say that because of the epidemic proportions and effects of childhood obesity for the first time ever they are seeing children at risk for adult illnesses like heart disease, high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes.

But often more dangerous than the physical risks of child obesity, say experts, is the emotional pain children feel when they are teased and excluded because they are “big.”

The Hidden Effects of Childhood Obesity

“Every day I just felt worse and worse,” “says 18-year-old Matt Wymer in The Big Hurt. “I just wanted to die and forget about it.”

Adds Tony Parisi, 15, “They’ll throw stuff at you, they’ll hit you, they’ll call you names, they won’t stop.”

There are some effects of childhood obesity that scales and stethoscopes won’t reveal. So how do you stop the emotional pain? And what can kids learn about respect and kindness?

The Big Hurt features real kids sharing true stories about the physical and emotional effects of childhood obesity and what we can do to encourage healthy choices to help alleviate child obesity. The Big Hurt will teach you and your child about exercise, nutrition and positive body image – what works and what doesn’t.

Order your copy today to learn what you can do about child obesity and get a free Family Viewing Guide with childhood obesity facts, myths and additional resources to help your children live a better, healthier life.