My son rocks!

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06 abril

My son, Briley, had a difficult month at school. They started the Presidents' Physical Fitness Challenge at his school. They had to run a mile, do sit-ups, push-ups, and chin-ups. They paired Briley with the school bully, who is constantly making fun of his weight. Also, to make matters worse, the entire class had to sit and watch him, while they waited their turn. He was humiliated, he couldn't do a single sit-up, chin-up, or push-up. His friends got up and ran the last 5 laps with him to help him get through the mile. His coach was yelling at him, saying that he could do better than that, and the bully started calling him "The Big Zero" the rest of the week. He wanted to change schools and was really down on himself for the last few weeks. I was furious at the way they handled the tests, but I was also torn, because he is pre-diabetic and losing 20 lbs will eliminate his risk of developing the disease. I know that he has to get healthier or it will only get worse.

I decided that I needed to join a gym that offers classes for kids and allows them to use the equipment. I joined one and went for a week alone, then he wanted to come with me the next week. I went into my class and he stayed behind to play on the gym's wii. I thought, well at least it's a move in the right direction. I came out of my class an hour later and he was on the elliptical, working his butt off. I couldn't believe it!! He had the choice of playing a video game, or doing a fun activity. Instead, he got on the hardest dang machine out there. And on a level 6! For an hour!! Now he wants to go with me every day, so this is huge! Also, after he worked out, he said that he wanted to start eating healthier....What? I would never have thought that would come out of his mouth! He loves fast food and hates anything else.

Here's the cool part.....He had to take all of the tests over again to see if he had improved. He was worried and wanted to skip school. I told him that he had to go to school, but I would give him a note to opt out of the tests. I told him that he could use the note, if he wanted to use it, but he would feel so much better about himself, if he overcame the fear and tried it again. So, he took the note to school with him. After school, I picked him up and he was beaming ear to ear. He didn't use the note and he did better on every test. He even ran the mile in a minute less than before. He said he just kept a steady pace and he didn't feel like he was going to throw up that time. I am so proud of him!! I think it shows great maturity to have an out and not take it!!! I LOVE YOU BRILEY.....YOU ARE MY INSPIRATION!!

Love you guys!
Jen

17:11 | Agregar al blog | Jennifer's Thoughts and Stuff

Comentarios (12)

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	"Duke" & "Punky Doodle"escribió: Go Briley!! It's awesome to read about something so positive for your son. Aly deals with that type of stuff too, but rarely will talk about it and really won't admit that it happens. Kids can be cruel, so I'm sure it does. She's worked pretty hard off and on during this challenge and she continues to have really good days and bad days, but it seems like she "gets" it a little more all the time. Just like me! Anyway, I'm so proud of you and your son and I don't even know you two, but can definately relate. Keep up the great work!! - Shannon 12 Abr
	tsntgescribió: So glad you stopped our site Jen! Great job to the both of you. Briley is certainly not alone, and the challenges involved here, for both Briley AND his parents can not be understated. My son Nick is 11 and very much ths same boat. He too had challanges on the physical tests, it is actually pretty tough for american kids as a group to do well, and with the extra weight it just adds to the challenge. His grade as a whole had like 20 of 70 pass, of which he wasn't one that passed. It sounds like you and Briley are doing a super job to get more health orientated! We are doing a lot of the same things you are. IMO all you really can do is make sure he knows and admits he is a little "out of shape", teach why it is bad to be like that, teach which foods are better choices with portion control, and practice what you preach...lead by example! Positive reinforcement is a must! Beyond that and I'm positive you know, it is MORE than extremely challenging to encourage and motivate him. Its a fine line between motivating and bridging into where he would see it as being repremanded. ...now if you or any one has the answer I'm open for suggestions :-). Keep up the good fight! -Todd 11 Abr
	Betsy and Laurenescribió: Jen, I (like Corey) got goosebumps and all teary eyed! I remember THIS horrible test in junior high. There was a bigger girl in my class that I was best friends with and she had convinced everyone (well a handful of us girls) to walk the mile with her. I think it took us all 15 minutes. Looking back, I know that wasn't really the way to go, but at least we all supported her and I wish Briley would have had that support. Kids can be so mean!!! But I am sooooooooo proud of Mr. Briley and you too! Doing the gym together is great! I wish there was something my mom and I could have done together when I was a fat kid. You are so amazing and the greatest mom ever (after my mom of course! :-P) You guys both inspire me, thank you! Bets 11 Abr
	Jenniferescribió: Briley, you are such an awesome kid!! I am so proud of you and your mom... you guys are kicking but!! Now I need you to kick my butt and drag me to the gym, lol... After I get through this weekend and next week, I should be able to see the light, hahaha... YOu guys are doing great... and btw, I weighed in at my moms yesterday and Im back at 228lbs... I was up to 233 last week... ??? anyhow, I feel better and am needing some motivation, hint hint... Love you both!! Megan 9 Abr
	Deannaescribió: That is the most inspiring story EVER! I love it so much. First of all you are the best mommy ever, you supported him, gave him choices, and showed him RESPECT!! And Briley - can't say enough about his choices - HELLO??? It's just awesome! Great WORK!!! 8 Abr
	Amandaescribió: WoW!! Makes m\y decisions of not exercising for like a month seem really ridiculous! You tell that special son of yours that he is an inspiration to a um-motivated chica in WV!!!!! Go Briley, Go BRiley, Go Go, Go Briley! BTW...i miss u gals!!!!! I have been sooo busy that I haven't been on soo much lately! Hope you are continuing to be BIG LOSERS!!!!!! -Amanda 7 Abr
	KELLEY AND KRISTIEescribió: My son just had his too, I think I still have trauma from when I had to do that in school-those pull-ups or chin ups still haunt me to this day. You're son has made some great choices, I feel that participating in this challenge has made me and my son healthier. We have better food in the house, we do more acrive stuff together, we traded out our GameCube for a Wii-I don't mind him boxing, playing tennis, and we crack each other up doing Dance Dance Revolution. What's best is you allowed him to make those choices for himself. Keep up the great work. Kelley 6 Abr
	Lizzie-Beth4Him Reflectionsescribió: When I was teaching, one of my class rules was that our class was a "safe place"...that would include safety from being bullied. Bullies were dealt with quickly, and eventually opted for a change in attitude, and catching it in early elementary levels helped prevent much of it later on. (They didn't like having to miss activities they enjoyed, or having to have a teacher-parent conference.) Adversity, and mean people, are unfortunately, a part of life though, and children need to learn how to deal with them when parents and teachers aren't around to help. Keeping communication with our children open helps, and teaching them ways of dealing with circumstances does too, along with our example of how we deal with such things. Briley made some great choices and had encouragement from you. Thumbs up! It does disturb me, in this day and age, that so many parents allow their children to just vegetate in front of video games and television for hours, instead of restricting that time, as a priviledge, and going to the park, doing a family fun activity, or encouraging them to ride their bikes, and even doing that together. My children also had chores around the house, to teach responsibility, and that being a part of a family means pitching in. They didn't have an abundance of 'things" that weren't appreciated or cared for. If they didn't pick up after themselves, they didn't get priviledges. This made more time for us to do fun things together. My married son is a great help to his wife because he can cook, clean the house, and do laundry. He is a wonderful father and takes time with his children. My children were taught to swim, and on my tight budget, I tracked down less expensive public park pools to swim in during the summers. We often visited historic sites and parks for picnics on weekends. Most were free to use. It encouraged a love for history, nature, and exercise, that my adult children share with their own children today. How can you metabolize properly if most of your free time hours are spent propped in front of a television, adult, or child? Eating healthy is important too...but you can get by with a little junk if your habit is to be active. Sorry to just ramble on...you brought back many parental memories. =) 6 Abr
	Corey Bogartescribió: Agh! I got goosebumps reading this blog!! How PROUD I am of both of you!!! It sounds like he is one of the lucky kids -- having a mom like you to provide him with the tools he'll need for life to make something AWESOME out of himself! And by going thru these tough times now and prevailing like this?! Wow! He's gonna make the world a MUCH better place. That is ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL!!!! Give him a big hug from me and tell him that he has a secret online admirer!! (the not-psycho or perverted kind, of course!! lol) 6 Abr
	Kelley and Kristie escribió: That is great news. Looks like his self esteem is improving as he works out. Keep it up. Kristie and Kelley 6 Abr
	Tammyescribió: Okay, that is sooo touching!!! You two are such a great pair. Both of you are awesome! As a parent, I can't imagine how that must have hurt you to see Briley going through that! I remember one day, my son came home from school and told me that another kid punched him in the stomach. That tore me up, so I can't imagine how this ripped your heart out. It sounds like he's been able to dig deep and find that fighter inside, and that's so great. After that first mile, it only gets better! 6 Abr
	1 Superteacherescribió: What a great young man!! As a teacher, I am horrified by that story. Go talk to that teacher!!! 6 Abr

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