Are parents to blame for children's obesity?
There Is No Reason for Children to Be Fat
Obesity is slowly killing a stunning number of people in the US, and it's a controversial topic to even broach. For many, it's about freedom: The freedom to eat what they want, exercise as they see fit, and look however they want. It's true. It's their right and if an adult doesn't or can't lose weight and chooses not to address it, then fine. But with obese children, it's another story altogether.
The Washington Post is doing a series on obesity, and last week, they had an interactive map detailing how obesity affects a child. The
truth is staggering.
Obesity affects almost every system in a child's
body and, according to the Post, the current generation of American
children could have a shorter lifespan than their parents. If that isn't enough
reason to keep your child fit, I don't know what is. Simply put: There is no
excuse to have an overweight child.
Raising children isn't easy and raising a child with health issues is even harder. And there is no doubt that for some of us, raising a fit child is easier than for others. Whether it's because of genetics or because of hormonal imbalances or other physical issues, there are many reasons children can become obese. And it's our job as parents to address them.
It's simply not OK to say "he was hungry, so I fed him." Good nutritional habits start young and they have far-reaching effects. I have very picky children, so I feed them healthy versions of kid favorites. Instead of Velveeta Shells and Cheese, my children get organic, whole-wheat pasta with three different kinds of melted, real cheese and whole wheat bread crumbs. Instead of PBJ on white, my children get natural peanut butter and homemade, sugarless jam on whole wheat.
It isn't just about food choices, either. Children must be active, even more active than we are. If kids watch TV or eat junk, let them do it in moderation and have those things be the minority rather than the normal behavior.
Obesity is killing our children. Any parent who lets their child smoke, do drugs, tan, have risky sex, or engage in other dangerous activities that might shorten their lifespan would be told they needed to shape up. So why do we tiptoe around obesity? No one is suggesting it's easy. But something being "hard" isn't an excuse not to do it.
Obesity is killing our kids and it isn't acceptable or excusable.
Do you think obesity is a huge problem?
I don't like to blame other parents, because I don't know their situation. But I believe many of the points made in this article. If unhealthy food isn't available, kids can't eat it. I think many parents buy food they like, and then start feeding it to their kids. And once it starts, it's hard to change. As parents, I think we have to start with ourselves first, and eat more healthy. Start when the kids are young giving them healthy food, then they're used to it, it becomes a natural thing. Being active is also crucial. You have to be active with them. It doesn't work to say ,"go out and play". None of this is easy, but it can be done. Having them grow up healthy and happy is worth it.
Yes. Not only do kids learn eating habits from their parents but parents are the ones who purchase the junk food in the first place!
My children eat very well, there is the occasional treat but we do not do fast food, processed foods or too much sugar and salt. My kids eat their veggies, healthy proteins and whole grains because that's all I serve.
And it can all be done on a very tight budget, I'm living proof!
Yes. I think that for so many years people have closed their minds to what they are actually putting into their bodies and feeding their kids. We live in an age of fast...everything! Now we are finally seeing the results of all this unhealthy eating and abuse we have put on our bodies and our kids. I think about Jamie Oliver's show The Food Revolution and how they showed such a lack of education when it comes to food for adults and kids. I believe that we need to be proactive and re-educate people about the importance of healthy eating and healthy living get people to open their eyes.
Yes, and no. Personally, I feed my kids and myself very well. But their father sneaks them chocolote and junk all of the time...cookies.! It's very annoying.
Nothing I have done has helped.
But I do believe that I have proven the point...maybe it is the parents. Even if it is not me that's feeding the kids crap, their other parent is.....
But my kids are not obese...they are all 50th percentile.
~ Random Thoughts May ~
- Cafe AmyB
on Jun. 30, 2011 at 11:52 AM