Saturday Spotlight - Chandler
Chandler was 8, almost 9, when Donny and I started dating three and-a-half years ago. I can only imagine how difficult it was for Chandler to endure the divorce of her mother and father. Add to that acquiring a step-dad (when Chandler's mom remarried) and shortly thereafter a step-mom when Donny and I married. The combination of all those life changes made for quite a few stressors her and her sisters dealt with in only a few years' time. I failed to give Chandler the credit she deserved for the admirable way she dealt with all these huge changes. Her grades never faltered and rarely was Chandler a discipline problem.
Innumerable emotional and physical changes happen during the pre-teen years. Add to that the life changes mentioned above and all that stress took a toll on Chandler. As time went on the stress continued to build and Chandler began to battle a weight issue.
A new study published in the Journal of Pediatrics suggests that living in a stressful household may raise a child's risk for becoming overweight by up to twice as much. The researchers looked at children in more than 7,400 families, said kids can handle "some stress or stressors, but not several at the same time." Four primary areas of family or household stress were identified: A serious life event such as a family illness, accident, death, divorce, unemployment or exposure to violence; relationship issues; lack of social support among other family members or community or both; and concern about a child's health and development.
The study reported, "If children were exposed to two or more of these four family stress areas, then it heightened risk for obesity. For this study's categorization, a high-stress family faces challenges in at least two or more of these four areas." Chandler definitely fell into at least two of these categories and possibly one or two more. I'm not spotlighting Chandler for her weight gain, though. I'm spotlighting Chandler for her incredible determination and drive to live a healthier life.
When Donny and I got back from our Santa Barbara trip to kick off our EA SPORTS Active 30-Day Challenge a month and-a-half ago we sat down with all 7 of our children and spoke with them about our decision to change the family's diet and increase our exercise. We knew not all the children were going to be impressed with our change in lifestyle, and we were right, but Chandler took it to heart and made a decision to live a healthier life. She has been exercising every day and eating much healthier. Chandler's been trying new foods, playing tennis with the family, and going for walks around the neighborhood. Chandler also works out on the EA SPORTS Active almost every day she is at our house.
Keep up the great work Chandler!!!!
Way to go, Chandler! Keep up the good work!
Very nice article that I think does honor your step-daughter and recognizes the difficulty of the circumstances she's had in her short life. Nothing builds rapport like understanding another's situation.
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Way to go Chandler! I am so proud of you for taking the step in the right direction.... with your determination and smart brain you will do wonderful and be healthier for it.
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I'm VERY proud of Chandler! I went thru my parents' divorce at the age she did and then remarriage of my dad, etc and battled weight at Chandler's current age! If only I had the EAS Sports Active then! Although, it's also her drive & determination to change because just owning the right equipment doesn't do anything for you...you have to use it! GOOD FOR YOU, Chandler! And congrats on the honors classes! Sounds like YOU are a real champion!!
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