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Author:
Rachel Renée Russell

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Tales from a Not-So Happy Birthday

Dork Diaries

#1 New York Times Bestselling Series

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Ask Brandon

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Get the BOY side of things!
Special Ed
Grumpy Girl!

September 30, 2018

I’M WORRIED ABOUT MY SISTER’S BAD EATING HABITS!!

Dear Brandon,

I love my sister a lot and care about her. Lately, she has been eating TONS of junk food. She eats it at night and hides behind the couch just to devour bags of goldfish! I am very worried and scared that when she’s older, she is going to be overweight and unhealthy! I can already see she’s gained weight! Even my parents are concerned! I am really worried and I need your help!

Sincerely,
Sister Of A Sneaky Snack Eater

Hey Sister Of A Sneaky Snack Eater,

It sounds like you really love your sister a lot and that’s amazing. She’s lucky to have you.

Now I don’t have siblings, but I do have friends who have dealt with food and eating disorders. Based on that, here’s what I think: don’t get involved in what she eats AT ALL.

If she’s already hiding to eat junk food, then she already knows people are watching and judging her weight and what she eats. So, she’s already building up negative thoughts about food, her weight and self-esteem.

She needs you to be a safe space.

So, don’t make ANY comments about food or weight to her. And if she loses weight, don’t make a big deal about how great she looks – because that will make her feel like she didn’t look great before.

There’s a difference between eating junk food and massively binging on junk food in a really unhealthy way and I don’t know what’s happening here. There’s also a very BIG difference between being naturally chubby and being very obese.

Your job as her sister is to be there for her and love her NO MATTER WHAT. If there’s a medical reason that what she eats and what she weighs is unhealthy, then leave that up to your parents and her doctor. What she needs from YOU is a supportive sister.

Try not to worry. Chances are good it’s just a phase that she’s going through. But if everyone makes a huge deal of it, it could turn into a much bigger problem. So be cool, model healthy eating habits for her, and don’t make a big deal of weight or food—including your own weight and the food you eat.

I hope that helps!

Have you ever worried about a sibling or friend’s unhealthy habits? What did you do? Tell us in the comments!

Category: Ask Brandon Tags: eating disorder, sisternikki

Comments

  1. 75
    GURL567 says:
    October 8, 2018 at 11:31 am

    I dont know,but maybe thats me.i love 2 snacks a day. But my sis already has stuff on her teeth and she is in second grade !!!!! I dont like chocolate that much thou

  2. 74
    This Is Not My Real Name says:
    October 7, 2018 at 12:48 pm

    OMG if i eat lot of junk food i just feel sick 🙁

    • 74.1
      Dorky Buddy says:
      October 8, 2018 at 3:09 pm

      Me too!

    • 74.2
      No one likes me! says:
      October 9, 2018 at 7:22 pm

      Me too!

  3. 73
    MySisIsFat says:
    October 5, 2018 at 9:28 pm

    I legit just hid the junk food!! The next day, my sister couldn’t find it, so she told on my mom. I had to give it back! :p

    • 73.1
      ninjashyper says:
      October 7, 2018 at 9:43 pm

      haha so funny 🙂 –

    • 73.2
      Hermione Granger says:
      October 8, 2018 at 3:42 am

      I am the younger sister I have been seeing my brother eating a looooooooot of food and it kind of worries me and it is probably from playing a lot of football.

  4. 72
    Elisha says:
    October 5, 2018 at 9:26 pm

    So nice of you to care for your sister

  5. 71
    Lesi Cat says:
    October 5, 2018 at 7:59 pm

    A supportive sister! You sound like you care about her, so hopefully that helps you to be supportive!

  6. 70
    unicorns for life says:
    October 5, 2018 at 7:40 pm

    Dear brandon

    Lately my brother has been really annoying and he wont stop please help

    • 70.1
      ABiPieceOfTrash says:
      October 6, 2018 at 2:21 am

      I feel you.

    • 70.2
      Mr Paws says:
      October 6, 2018 at 2:53 am

      Same

    • 70.3
      Popular 7 says:
      October 7, 2018 at 9:38 am

      This is very common. Just talk it out

    • 70.4
      Kid Counselor says:
      October 7, 2018 at 4:34 pm

      Dear Unicorns For Life , l have a brother of my on. I understand that he might be crazy once in awhile , but it is always good to show an act of kindness through it all. Trust me : if you try to control and boss your brother around , he might think it is fun to aggravate you and you will get into a lot of lecturing and fights and trouble. I understand that it might be hard to be kind and be a good sibling , but it’s the right thing to do. You won’t get in trouble and you will have a better relationship with your brother and you will learn how to do things right , because you will be acting as a role model and show your brother that your ways of being a really great person can influence him to be the kind person that you are. So don’t think that your brother is being unfair. Maybe he will see how the right thing can cause respect. So be patient , show an act of kindness and be a good role model for your brother and any other person ; they can be older or younger than you and you can still be a good role model for them. But always remember that your brother loves you. He probably wants to have some fun. However , if he starts to do things that could harm him physically and emotionally, you should defiantly tell a trusted adult ( and of course your parents ). But other than that , just remember that you’re still a good sibling no matter what you do. So you’re fine; just don’t be the wicked witch of the west – be a GOOD example.

    • 70.5
      Cherry, berry, dork, and me says:
      October 7, 2018 at 9:02 pm

      Ya

    • 70.6
      kid coucelour says:
      October 8, 2018 at 11:35 am

      Dear Unicorns For Life , l have a brother of my on. I understand that he might be crazy once in awhile , but it is always good to show an act of kindness through it all. Trust me : if you try to control and boss your brother around , he might think it is fun to aggravate you and you will get into a lot of lecturing and fights and trouble. I understand that it might be hard to be kind and be a good sibling , but it’s the right thing to do. You won’t get in trouble and you will have a better relationship with your brother and you will learn how to do things right , because you will be acting as a role model and show your brother that your ways of being a really great person can influence him to be the kind person that you are. So don’t think that your brother is being unfair. Maybe he will see how the right thing can cause respect. So be patient , show an act of kindness and be a good role model for your brother and any other person ; they can be older or younger than you and you can still be a good role model for them. But always remember that your brother loves you. He probably wants to have some fun. However , if he starts to do things that could harm him physically and emotionally, you should defiantly tell a trusted adult ( and of course your parents ). But other than that , just remember that you’re still a good sibling no matter what you do. So you’re fine; just don’t be

  7. 69
    Mimi Lover says:
    October 5, 2018 at 7:37 pm

    I had a crush once and she didn’t love or feel the same

  8. 68
    Mimi Lover says:
    October 5, 2018 at 7:21 pm

    I have a crush on someone but she dosen’t feel the same

    • 68.1
      Kid Counsilor says:
      October 7, 2018 at 5:07 pm

      Hey Mimi Lover, don’t think that you’re not special just because your crush doesn’t seem to like you. She probably wants you to notice her. I understand completely how you feel. Don’t worry ; you’re not alone. You never are. There are over a million people on this planet and ALL of them have ( or are , or will ) gone through the same situation. But even if your crush doesn’t like you, don’t feel bad. Maybe she’s not your type or doesn’t appreciate who you are. You should seek advice from your parents if you have ANY questions. But don’t ever blame yourself for thinking that you are not good enough. Just be yourself and enjoy being young and free while you still can. Always think positive about yourself , or even cry if you need to if you don’t feel like smiling. You shouldn’t be embarrassed even if you do cry ; EVERYONE needs to. So stay yourself as you are , think positive about yourself and ask a trusted adult questions if you want to. Take my advice : DONT CHANGE WHO YOU ARE ; YOU ARE SOOOO SPECAIL JUST THE WAY YOU ARE!!

    • 68.2
      kid coucelour says:
      October 8, 2018 at 11:36 am

      Hey Mimi Lover, don’t think that you’re not special just because your crush doesn’t seem to like you. She probably wants you to notice her. I understand completely how you feel. Don’t worry ; you’re not alone. You never are. There are over a million people on this planet and ALL of them have ( or are , or will ) gone through the same situation. But even if your crush doesn’t like you, don’t feel bad. Maybe she’s not your type or doesn’t appreciate who you are. You should seek advice from your parents if you have ANY questions. But don’t ever blame yourself for thinking that you are not good enough. Just be yourself and enjoy being young and free while you still can. Always think positive about yourself , or even cry if you need to if you don’t feel like smiling. You shouldn’t be embarrassed even if you do cry ; EVERYONE needs to. So stay yourself as you are , think positive about yourself and ask a trusted adult questions if you want to. Take my advice : DONT CHANGE WHO YOU ARE ; YOU ARE SOOOO SPECAIL JUST THE WAY YOU ARE!!

    • 68.3
      80’s chic says:
      October 8, 2018 at 7:03 pm

      Ooh yay crush advice! . Well Mimi Lover, I cannot force this girl to like you, but here’s some tips I do know:

      How to know if a girl likes you- You have come to the right person, because I’m a girl. And every girl doesn’t different stuff around boys they like, but here are some common stuff: Blushing : almost every girl blushes around a boy they like, so if you can tell if her cheeks turn pink, she’s blushing. Eye contact: this is what I mostly do. If she avoids looking at you she probably likes you. Smiling: every girl smiles at a boy she likes.

      Now to really know how a girl likes you, is you got to know there is a possible chance she likes you but embarrassed to say so. So the last thing she wants is for you to make a big deal about it. And friends can get in the way too. You should never tell a friend or you got yourself a rumor which don’t help.

      Maybe send her a KIND note asking if she likes you and explain how you feel. And maybe add on that you promise to keep it a secret.

  9. 67
    Pizza girl says:
    October 5, 2018 at 5:26 pm

    If had the same problem but I was the eater but soon I stopped but I really do still love eating but not a bunch but I still feel awesome and that is really kind of you to care for your sister five hearts from me

  10. 66
    GINNY POTTER!! says:
    October 5, 2018 at 6:43 am

    IT HAPPENS……
    Everyone has their own eating habits and it’s fine. I would just suggest you to tell her it isn’t healthy. What she does after that is her decision. I’m sure she’s smart and will understand. Especially family, we are stuck with them forever(and I mean that in a good way!) so we must help them. At least make them understand? As your sister grows older, she will understand the situation and soon take your advice : )

  11. 65
    BTS says:
    October 4, 2018 at 11:47 pm

    that is so sweet of you to care about your sister so much!
    Maybe try telling her about the benifits of eating healthy and exercising.
    Also try telling your parents to buy less junk food so then that way your sister won’t have much to steal from.

  12. 64
    little dork says:
    October 4, 2018 at 6:50 pm

    My little brother is a snack eating monster.

  13. 63
    Hermione Granger says:
    October 4, 2018 at 1:34 pm

    Ummmm… My brother does the exact SAME thing!!! OMG He is gaining weight soooooo fast

  14. 62
    Lola says:
    October 4, 2018 at 12:40 pm

    Hey I’m 11 and constantly self conscious and worried about my weight I am athletic im 93 or 94 and 4 feet and 11 inches
    Can anyone tell me if that is average

    • 62.1
      Hooded H says:
      October 4, 2018 at 5:43 pm

      I think you’re about the right weight range for your age and height because I’m the same height as you and 115 pounds too…so you’re fine!

    • 62.2
      Overweight girly says:
      October 5, 2018 at 1:13 am

      that is so average… I weigh 133-135 and am 5 feet

    • 62.3
      Lover Of Cats says:
      October 5, 2018 at 1:28 am

      I think that it is average I’m 11 too and I’m only about 5 foot something and I weigh about 70 pounds or less so your great and if ppl make fun of u then either just ignore them or say something like “who cares if I’m short not me and I especially don’t care that u do your just a weirdo that takes comfort in the harm of others so u can just shrivel up for all I care”

    • 62.4
      Spicy says:
      October 6, 2018 at 6:32 pm

      I don’t know but i bet your beautiful!

    • 62.5
      Anonymous says:
      October 9, 2018 at 8:18 pm

      You are fine, and that is completely average. I’m 12 and I’m about 5 feet tall. I only weigh 30 kilograms (66 pounds) but that’s because I’m naturally skinny – and, while being skinny might sound like sunshine and rainbows, it’s not! I always feel freezing when I go swimming, and people say ignorant things and make me feel like I’m an unhealthy weight, and I can never gain weight. The only advantage for me right now is that I look taller (I’m shorter than nearly all of my friends) but anyway, you’re healthy, and an average weight, and don’t need to worry. I’m 100% certain that you’re in the healthy weight range for you and you don’t need to worry about it! Hope this helps!

      – Dorky Pikachu Girl

  15. 61
    Loser says:
    October 3, 2018 at 9:40 pm

    Dude, HIDE ALL THOSE SNACKS AMD TALK TO YOUR SISTER XD

  16. 60
    no snack eater says:
    October 3, 2018 at 1:52 pm

    I used to, not now

  17. 59
    CCP_DORK says:
    October 3, 2018 at 9:51 am

    Don’t worry. Just follow Brandon’s advice. If it doesn’t work for over 3 months, then you should tell and talk about it with your parents. But tell them to no be angry at her. Just keep an eye on her.

    • 59.1
      GINNY POTTER!! says:
      October 5, 2018 at 6:44 am

      Absolutely! Well said.

  18. 58
    Frustrated says:
    October 3, 2018 at 5:08 am

    My brother eats tons of junk food in front of everyone, and he doesn’t seem to care that he is getting obese. Our parents and I are worried, but he gets mad when we try to interfere. I have no idea what to do.

    • 58.1
      Spicy says:
      October 6, 2018 at 6:34 pm

      Lisin to Brandon’s advice

  19. 57
    #kittylife says:
    October 3, 2018 at 2:27 am

    You are so nice to care so much about your sister.

    • 57.1
      Buddy the brown bear says:
      October 5, 2018 at 9:21 am

      Yeah I don’t like my little sis at all

  20. 56
    Queenpinkdorkalious1234 says:
    October 2, 2018 at 8:52 pm

    To everyone saying to tell her that she is going to be fat, that is not going to do anything and just make her feel worse. If you are scared for her, saying that you are skinny won’t do anything other than look down upon herself. You should do what Brandon said, I wish people did that for me instead of make fun of me. If you want to tell her, ask her why she is hiding all of the eating, maybe she is still hungry or is just growing.

  21. 55
    #Unicornlife says:
    October 2, 2018 at 8:25 pm

    Let your parents. Don’t be mean about. Just do your best to be kind.

  22. 54
    Kianna says:
    October 2, 2018 at 8:02 pm

    It’s good that your worried but u have 2 understand that ur sister is responsible for her actions

    • 54.1
      CCP GAL says:
      October 7, 2018 at 2:37 am

      Ur right bout that

  23. 53
    Dorks4life says:
    October 2, 2018 at 6:05 pm

    I would talk about it with your parents about how concerned you are. Maybe they could help.

  24. 52
    Love Dork says:
    October 2, 2018 at 6:02 pm

    You should tell her whats going on, tell her how you feel or that your concern about her, but try to at least comfort her along the way!.

  25. 51
    Super Dorky and Adorable says:
    October 2, 2018 at 5:24 pm

    You are a great sister!!!

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