I'm a single father, 26. 4 kids (3 yr old triplets, 1 yr old) I dont understand how my kids go to friends houses and come home saying they ate fruit roll ups, mcdonalds, mac and cheese, hot dogs, for dinner or in their friends lunches...
I only buy organic food if possible or at least healthy food. My kids have never eaten at Mcdonalds before friends parents took them without my permission, my kids eat apples, veggies, cherrios, organic crackers for snacks.. not fruit roll ups and doritos. I dont even own that kind of junk. Am I wrong by this? I understand when my kids are older they will more then likely eat not so healthy but I want to instill in them these values now... eating free range chicken nuggets, healthy snacks, organic food.... and I do not appreciate parents feeding my kids these foods... My kids love the food I give them but now also want that crap. Is it wrong of me to say something to the parents?
2006-12-14 14:53:52 · 24 answers · asked by eric 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
I actually do tell the parents before they go on their playdates that I prefer my children to eat certain things, offer to pack snacks and even to pay.. i would rather my children get a soup from Panera bread if they need a fast dinner then get mcdoanlds....Parents tell me they understand yet my kids come home with kids meal toys...
As for school, Shouldnt the pre-k school teacher be monitering children giving food to each other? I mean my kids aren't allergic to anything but some are! I don't want to alienate my children from their friends but at the same time, how do I tell the parents that I know they are feeding my kids these foods, without being rude?!
2006-12-14 15:16:52 · update #1
I understand where you are coming from,If they are going to friends house even if the parents don't want you to send something for them to eat you might want to do it anyways and let them know that's all you want your kids to eat,Or you could just let them have a break from the normal and enjoy a different treat,since they won't be eating it everyday then you shouldn't have to worry about it becoming a problem.But make sure your kids know it's a treat and you won't be buying it for them.as far as school goes talk to the teachers,and let them know that it is a problem.
2006-12-14 15:23:41 · answer #1 · answered by crystal powell 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well that is just part of your child growing up, we eat very healthy, however I never expect or would ask another childs parents to do the same, if I was that concerned about a meal a week I just would not allow my children to have playdates outside the home. Some limitations are fine such as no soda, no candy other than that NO.
2006-12-14 15:20:59 · answer #2 · answered by notAminiVANmama 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I feel your pain! It's hard as a parent to make healthful decisions for your children when the world around you, it seems, is there waiting with Snickers bars...
I think you should let the parents know ahead of time of your family's diet...they won't know unless you tell them.
I have also thought about telling people my kids were diabetic to keep them from shoving the crap down their throats at birthdays and such...
Good luck to you & keep up all the good, HARD work with all those babies! I admire you for sticking to your healthy eating habits...with that many kids, and as a single father, it would be so easy to just go to the fast food joint--KUDOS TO YOU!
2006-12-14 15:00:21 · answer #3 · answered by єЖтяα ¢яιѕρψ 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, they are your children and its up to you what they eat. However, if you are going to let them go over (minus a healthy snack you pack for them) they probably will get fed by the other person watching them. They are probably well meaning friends parents who do not see any problem with what they are doing.
I would be kind and gracious and pack snacks for them or have friends over your house. I would say something like "i prefer to have them eat what i pack for them or not at all for i do not want them to wreck their appetites before dinner" ..i would stay away from judging what they are doing and deeming your way better. You will only alienate your children from their friends.
that being said I do not think you doing anything wrong, i expect my Lil one to eat healthy and do the same for him as well.
2006-12-14 15:08:17 · answer #4 · answered by tara t 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No it's not wrong, but you must understand that if your children are visiting and the other kids get hungry, wouldn't you be angry if your child came home, and said "they would let me have a snack?" Naturally when my kids have friends over, and they want a snack, everyone gets one. If you are that adamant about what you child eats , then offer to send snacks with enough for everyone. Or offer to host the playtimes at your house. Hope this helps :)
2006-12-14 15:05:15 · answer #5 · answered by TC 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If your kids are going to other peoples' houses, pack some snacks or a meal if necessary. Let the other parents know how you would like your children to eat. Be nice about it, letting them know that you appreciate their willingness to feed your children. By sending food with them, your children won't feel as out of place when the other people eat.
2006-12-14 15:05:17 · answer #6 · answered by Uther Aurelianus 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have wondered that myself, in regards to my son, but this is what I decided: I don't want to single my son out when he's with his friends. I do want him to eat as healthy as possible, but realistically that can't always happen. I would pick out one or two things you don't want him having at all, such as pop or a ton of candy or chips (a few pieces won't hurt). I would keep it simple when your children are visiting with others.
It's good that your kids love eating healthy and a wonderful habit they will hopefully continue the rest of their lives. Just remember, like you said, as they get older they may not eat so healthy. You can only instill in them the way to stay healthy and continue to feed them in such a way, but you have to keep in mind, that you also don't want to suffocate them and stop them from enjoying other things. Eating out a couple times a month will not endanger their health or eating habits.
Hope this helps!
2006-12-14 15:24:31 · answer #7 · answered by Wild Cherry 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
nope! Its not wrong of you to ask they not feed your child those foods... however, if you are sending your kids out with other parents.. you need to tell them ahead of time what your preferences are for your childs diet, and send food along with your child. You cant expect them to have those foods you mentioned on hand... so you should definately pack them a bag of healthy choices. In the end.. if you arent there... they can pretty much do whatever they want, and its very tough to enforce. Just hope they are good people and will respect your wishes
2006-12-14 14:58:22 · answer #8 · answered by Kristin B 4 · 5⤊ 1⤋
Wow, it sounds like you are trying really hard to make sure your kids stay healthy! That's really great. =) It's not wrong at all to tell other parents about your concern for your kids' diet, but be sure to fully explain your reasons and be polite, even if it's hard, because some people may take it the wrong way or as an insult. Still, you have to be firm because they are your kids, not theirs, and you are the one raising them. Good luck!
2006-12-14 15:07:44 · answer #9 · answered by lizzy_sama 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
when I was little my mom used to feed me healthy foods, but I always wanted to go to fast food places. Until my mom got tired of my begging and only let me eat fast and instant foods for one month. Now I love healthy foods and that is pretty much all I eat.
2006-12-14 17:13:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋