Why do some people...?

Question

What is it about this age where we feel the need to put together a house with no sweets? A house where are kids are literally on a diet from day one? Has no one heard the phrase “eat in moderation?” It seems like everyone is going through a phase where we are so obsessed with obesity that we are taking it to the extreme. Yes, I believe kids don’t need to be eating sweets 24/7 or drinking chocolate milk with every meal but people (and I’ve heard children saying it now) “don’t want their kids to get fat?” I just cannot believe all these people--what kind of an image do you think that sets for a child?

For the record, no I don’t give my kids candy every time we go out. No, I’m not overweight and neither are my children. I don’t ever remember watching what they eat--but I do make sure my husband and I eat in moderation and provide them with healthy snacks and food. I guess for me I just don’t stress every time I go to the grocery store just to make sure my kids “don’t get fat.”

Actually "Mummy" I only have one son but my cousin (who is five) has lived with us for two years. I've cared for him before that so yes--I have been a parent for longer then one year.

"The Mom" If you would have read my question you would know it's not about allowing or not allowing a child to eat junk food. It's about moderation. As for being an "excellent" mother--I am on. Do you want to know why? It's because I try--that's the only thing you can ask from a person. I do what I feel is best. Sure, I have opinions. I sure hope you do! As for a teenager--at least I'm not as immature to just write someone off for their age. And lastly as for the pictures--what harm is that going to do? My location is not revealed. You need to mind your own buisness if you don't have anything nice to say!

As for my son--his full name is not up for the internet to see. And if my name is up--who cares. I can't even imagine how many people who have the same name as me.

Answer 1

Society is obsessed with obesity. I agree with you, when I was a kid, we ate good old southern cooking, and candy, and I turned out just fine....I am only 185lbs.

Answer 2

You and I are on the same page about a lot of things, I have found. I totally agree witht his topic. I was raised with sugar being a treat, and now I am totally a sugar-aholic! My husband was raised wiht moderation and can take it or leave it. My son gets sweet things, but only as a once in a while thing, and certainly not for a meal. I think that people want to do the right thing by taking away sugar, and I don't doubt they think they are doing what's best, but I think you are right - teaching moderation is better. I think when parents obsess over food, the kids learn to, and that is horrible. Restricting what your kids eat and being ultra controlling of them can lead to anorexia or obesity, too. Don't respond to your detractors - I am sure they get a kick out of it. I think it's funny when a parent who asks a lot of questions (like me!) gets a ccused of being a bad parent or dumb. It's so ridiculous! Because you are tryin gto get more information you are called stupid. I thinkit's the other way around. When you sit there and don't ask any questions and pretend you know everything - that is IGNORANT!!!

Answer 3

It really cracks me up how critical some people can be! I mean, really, your life and what you do is totaly not affecting them so the nasty comments and hurtful remarks should just stop. I hope they feel better about themselves when they put you down because I cant see any reason for that kind of behavior. As far as the junk food thing. I totaly agree with you. My mother raised me with a pick bucket. There were sweet treats, candy, pops...basically junk food. If we behaved that day we were allowed one pick aftr dinner. I loved it and I am not fat. My husband is very worried about weight and that bothers me. His mother is always sharing ice cream or popsicles or a bite or two of cake with our son. He is not fat. And it doesn't hurt him at all. Moderation is the key. Its the mothers who are letting there 4 year old sit down with a bag of potato chips and constantly feeding them fast food that have the problem. Give your child the variety and proper amount of good healthy food and what is wrong with a lollipop or a bit of ice cream? I think people shouldnt be so critical of young parents. I am 20 and although struggling with my sons sleep habits, my son is wonderful and behaves 90 % of the time and is even talking and walking at 11 months. I know many many 30 year old women who couldnt take care of their children because they were too immature! SO back of all you haters!!! hehehe way to go hun, stand up for what u believe in!!

Answer 4

I've got four children from the ages of 18 to 7 and i haven't had a problem with what they eat, more how they eat it.My kids eat everything and are partial to takeaways as well.They have always been active,so as much as they eat they burn the calories off .They do eat sweets and cakes, but i wouldn't allow them to substitute their healthy meal for a cake(if you know what i mean).I usually find that if they do eat properly then they don't want anything for afters anyway.The unfortunate thing today is that some parents allow their children to eat rubbish and high caloried food all the time which scares some parents(that don't allow it) half to death.Maybe in school like they do in my sons school(uk) they should install healthy eating plans which is aimed at every one,and it could educate parents aswell,lets face it encouraging obesity in a child is cruel.

Answer 5

I understand completely what you are saying. Growing up I was allowed sweets and snacks but was also given healthy foods as well. I had a good balance of each and was never over weight and my mom never showed concern over keeping her kids thin. Today people are so obsessed with it that the mothers have 5 year old daughters not eating because they dont want to gain weight. I took my 6 year old neice to eat at a chinese buffet with my fiance and I and she barely put anything on her plate. I asked her if she just wasn't hungry or if maybe she didn't see a lot that she liked. She said "i dont want to get fat".

Answer 6

Well, im one of those. I mean I make all of my daughters meals from scratch. Even her snacks. She ahs enough junk when she goes visits family and when she goes trick or treating. Or even in school. They dont NEED all that junk. Like potato chipe or candy or chocolates. They dont NEED it so its not something that I buy, I dont think that these people are stressed about it. Im not when I go grocery shopping. Its just healthier, She has sweets just not in the house. Its not the fatness part og it its the healthy part of it. The teeth, the growing and the habit. Shes going to get used to eating healthy so she wont have over weight problems later
I agree in a way about what your saying. I dont but it and she doesnt ask for it so I m not holding it from her. She knows when she goes to grandmas shes gonna get candy... whatever.

Answer 7

Interesting topic! I think people should much rather be worried about how much EXCERISE their kids are getting!!!! I think that's more of the problem! When I was a kid, I was outside all the time, running around, doing things. A great number of kids nowadays are sitting on the couch/chair playing video games or watching tv, etc. So instead of trying to reduce that problem, I'm guessing a lot of parents would rather just give thier kids eating complexes and warn them not to eat too much in fear of becoming overweight.

Answer 8

Haven't you only been a parent less then a year? I applaud parents who do things right from the start and teach healthy eating habits. Most parents don't. I know way too many kids that have their own junk food cabinet.

America should be obsessed with obesity, we are the fattest country in the world and our diets are a cause of why we are dying.


I'm not saying that a bag of chips or a candy bar will hurt a person but eating several servings a week of junk food will.

Answer 9

I was never given sweets, sugars cereals or flavored drinks only on spec ail occasions and holidays and I grew up fine. I am chubby though .. and today I eat very healthy organic foods and I will on occasion have a chocolate bar or take away. I don't think I should change the way I eat for my children.. I wouldn't give them alot of sugar or colours and flavorings cause I wouldn't want them in my system there are plenty of sugar free natural sweets.

I think being physically active is the problem not so much the food.. as long as you can burn it off why not indulge in a piece chocolate cake every now and then..

Answer 10

Yeah, it's strange how nations bounce from one extreme to another, I too believe that the occasional treat won't hurt- likeyou said, everything in moderation.
It's stupid to say 'no' to those things that are considered unhealthy, and have that be the end of it. Letting kids have things sometimes reduces the chance of them sneaking behind your back to get 'the forbidden fruit'

And to those who have said that you have too many questions, Lindsey, I think that it is refreshing to find someone on here like you, who is honest and thoughtful, and doesn't ask the constantly asked question of 'Am I pregnant', and I would like to say how much I like your questions- they definately make me think- not something I do too much of these days!

Answer 11

we need fatty acids in our diet, but they probably don't want their kid becoming hooked. My niece only wants candy because her mother has spoiled her, her teeth are a horrible yellow colour. Maybe they just saw my niece and freaked out. I give my son some candies, but when we go out and someone offers him candy. I'll pass. My mom and mother in law spoil him by stuffing him with cookies, so I need to keep on a good diet at home.