A mum in the UK has been criticised after admitting she weighs her young daughter every day.
Nadia Udin says that she puts her six-year-old daughter Shifaria on the scales daily to monitor her “puppy fat”.
The little girl has been bullied for her weight in the past and Nadia, who also weighs herself every day, wants to help her “take control” of it.
“When I jump on the scales she jumps on and we have a laugh about it,” Nadia told hosts Rylan Clarke-Neal and Emma Willis on ITV’s This Morning.
“I think we’ve got to be careful because the name-calling and whatever, she’s going to be more affected by that.
“So why not take control and do something about it and be in control of her?”
She said that it’s hard for parents to promote healthy eating because of how food is marketed.
“Nowadays as a mum, you’re seeing different challenges.
“You go into a supermarket and there’s all these BOGOFs (Buy One Get One Free) so it’s a different time.”
Psychologist Deanne Jade, who specialises in eating disorders, said that Nadia was well-meaning but reminded her that a child’s weight naturally changes.
“As much as I appreciate your desperate attempts to save your child from bullying, but weighing a child every day is associated with other problems.”
Many viewers were shocked and angered by the idea that parents should weight their children.
“Kids should be kids and not be consumed by body image” EXACTLY!! She’s bloody spot on! At 6 years old she shouldn’t be weighed everyday! Clearly that ‘mother’ has got issues and needs to grow up! Let her child be a child!! #ThisMorning
— Leighannedouglas? ⚯͛ △⃒⃘ (@TinyPurplePug) April 5, 2018
I feel like she’s passing on her own insecurities to her children. It’s just not healthy. #ThisMorning
— Chantelle-Louise (@Chanterzzz) April 5, 2018
I’ve had Anorexia for 11 years (since 13), had a hospital admission & years of therapy & continue to struggle daily & that was without being weighed daily from childhood. Children shouldn’t be focussing on numbers..health education, yes..numbers, no #ThisMorning #ITV #EDawareness
— Rebecca Kirkland (@Becca_Kirkland) April 5, 2018
Not everyone watching disagreed with Nadia, though.
Love this woman on #ThisMorning she’s got all the right intentions of wanting healthy kids not overweight. I was brought up the same and never had any problems with my weight or teeth. I have my parents to thank for that and will raise my kids the same.
— Jade Atkinson (@JadeLouiseAtkin) April 5, 2018
Nobody can tell how to bring up their child..but watching her weight is a good thing..stop her getting fat and bullied and bad health in later life.. #thismorning
— Tina foley (@tinafoley17) April 5, 2018
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