-I plan to serve children with obesity, specifically ranging from 6-11 years of age. Boys and girls with obesity will be significantly overweight for their age and height. 

-For my needs assessment, I have conducted general interviews with four children for one hour. The first thirty minutes were basic questions to further know them and understand how they feel in day to day life. In the second half of the interview, we did a hands-on activity where we just chatted and they were able to talk about anything they want, enjoy, want to do, etc.  The goal of this method was to view the child's physical appearance, diet, physical activity, and overall demeanor. Being able to have a personal conversation, I can ensure the child that they are in great hands and better understand how each child is developing.

-1. How long have you been struggling with obesity and what is the main thing it has taught you? 

Child A: Is ten years old, has been struggling with obesity since he was four, and it has taught him that it is okay to be different.

Child B: Is six years old, has been struggling with obesity since a baby, and it has taught her to "block out the haters."

Child C: Is ten years old, just started struggling with obesity at eight, and it has taught him that just because he hasn't met some of his goes it doesn't mean it's impossible. 

Child D: Is seven years old, has been struggling with obesity all her life, and it has taught her she's beautiful even if she's not like the other kids. 

2. Has it interfered with your personal or school life? (with homework, relationships, other)

All child generally said the same thing- that they have been teased at some point and there have been times its made it hard to talk to their parents about what's going on because they were embarrassed or didn't want to seem like a problem.

3. Are there things you can't do that other kids can do because of your obesity? How does it make you feel? 

Child A:  Said he used to get pretty upset because he couldn't run fast and he really wanted to play basketball, but he now found a new love for football at his church. It made him sad at first because that was his dream. 

Child B: Says there have been times she and her friends were having a sleepover and she couldn't fit in the cute clothes they had when playing dress-up. She said it's okay because they stopped playing that game now.

Child C: Says he hasn't had too many incidents except he cannot run for a long time at recess when they play "magic quest." It doesn't bother him too badly because he has started eating better recently and already lost seven pounds. 

Child D:  Says none of the boys like her and she thinks it is because of her being overweight. It makes her a little sad and mad because they aren't getting to know her and her friends don't help the situation.

4. What do you eat on a daily basis? 

Child A: Eats a lot of meat throughout the day but always has a light breakfast.

Child B: Has toast and eggs in the morning but almost always has pizza at night because her dad works overnight and her mom is really tired after work all day. 

Child C: Recently started eating semi the same foods but small portions. He eats eggs, chicken, turkey sandwiches, and fruit, and veggies every day.

Child D: Loves peanut butter and jelly sandwiches but her mom makes her eat protein salads so sometimes she will sneak candy in the middle of the night.

5. What do you want to be when you're older? *discuss limitations and strengths.

Child A: Football player

Child B: A singer

Child C: A doctor

Child D: A vet

6. What is your favorite thing about yourself?

Child A: Says his mom says he's tough and he thinks that's one of his best qualities...no matter what happens to bring him down, he has a thick layer of skin.

Child B: Thinks she's a great singer and dancer as well.

Child C: Says he likes how well he can adapt to people and thinks of himself as a good friend.

Child D: Likes her eyes and she can draw. 

7. Do you think children with obesity are equal to those without it?

All agreed with a big yes. They understand their struggle and that they are different but also understand so is everyone else. 

8. What is something people often say to you that you don't find to be true?

Child A: That we cant be just as good at something just because of our weight.

Child B: She doesn't agree that all overweight people run slow and that is usually the main thing people her disease have gotten picked on that she knows. 

Child C: Says a lot of people assume he's obese because he's lazy and eats really bad when he's always eaten decently, but a lot of his weight gain came from his parent's divorce.  

Child D: Says people think she doesn't like healthy foods at all just because she doesn't always choose them.

9. What are your favorite things to do while at home? What can your parents do to help your overall quality of life

Child A: Enjoys watching sports shows with his dad and wishes his mom would be more into what he is into.

Child B: Likes to sing on her microphone and wishes her parents would take her to a Lizzo concert because that's one of her inspirations.

Child C: Likes to practice freestyle raps and wants his parents to start meal prepping for him because his favorite rapper does that.

Child D: Enjoys playing in her big treehouse outside and she wishes her parents would get her a dog because she thinks it can help her lose weight.

10. How can I help?

Child A: Says it would be cool if I could get his mom more involved in his football and see how much it has impacted his life.

Child B: Says I can help by making it fun to lose weight.

Child C: Says I can teach his parents there is more fun ways to lose weight than running up and down the street. 

Child D: Says I can help by giving her more diet options besides chicken and salads. 

-I selected the child struggling with their weight directly because that is what ensures the "target audience" will get their specific need met. 

-The prevalence of obesity in children has almost tripled from 6.5 to 18.8% in the last few decades. With the proper physical activity program, these children can not only prevent obesity but lower stress, build better social skills and raise their self-esteem. With each child mentioning the battles between parental relationships, I believe the best route would be a physical fitness program where a parent can be involved each time we meet, where I will also handout educational guide and tips on healthy eating.

-I have learned how to reflect and put myself in someone else's shoes. I have also learned a parent can have major effects on how their child acts or will react to specific influences. 

-I learned how to know my audience and how to collect and interpret data from the needs assessment.