DEAR ABBY: My niece, "Sara," is considerably overweight at the age of 9. I'm becoming very concerned that she'll become diabetic by the time she's in her teens. She has a horrible habit of literally shoveling food into her mouth as fast as she can, sometimes with both hands. She's obviously eating too quickly to stop when she's full. Now that she's no longer a little girl, what was a bad habit has turned into disgusting table manners.
I live far away, so I have few opportunities to suggest that she slow down or "take princess bites." Her mother is very resentful of criticism, and she's allowing Sara her bad habit. I'm worried not only about my niece's poor table manners, but also her health. Any suggestions? -- WORRIED AUNT, TUPELO, MISS.
DEAR WORRIED AUNT: Is Sara's mother obese? If so, the problem may be not only the speed with which your niece is eating but also what kinds of foods she's being served at home.
Be smart and don't make this about disgusting table manners. Because you're concerned about your niece's health, talk to both parents and ask what Sara's pediatrician says about her weight and what possible solutions have been suggested. But do not make it appear that you're criticizing their parenting or they'll shut you out.