Chris:
My wife and I had our first child two years ago. Before he was born, we promised each other we would try to feed him a healthy diet so he would grow into a strong and healthy young man. We have done a pretty good job so far; however, his grandparents have a different idea of what his diet should consist of.
Don’t get me wrong: His grandparents are wonderful people, but every time they take him they stop off at McDonald’s for lunch. They also keep a drawer full of candy at their house that keeps him busy whenever he visits them. I don’t mind them giving him treats every once in a while, but I don’t think he needs to eat junk every day. Do you think I’m being too strict? Is this really something I should worry about, or should I chalk it up to just part of growing up?
- Bill
Bill:
This is a topic that really gets me fired up, because children don’t have a choice when it comes to the food they eat. Instead, they have to eat what their parents or grandparents give them. The fact is the habits we teach them today will probably stay with them for the rest of their lives. So why not teach them good eating habits?
Let’s not forget: You are what you eat. If you feed your kids junk during the critical stages of growth, you may be setting them up for health problems such as diabetes or obesity. Therefore, I believe you have every right to be concerned about your child’s diet.
Experts are now saying that 60 percent of Americans are obese, and you know what? I believe it. Take a good look around you, and you will see this country has a serious problem. What will it take before we realize this problem starts in our youth?
Why it is that hot dogs and french fries are good enough for kids but shunned by those of us who want to stay in shape? In fact, many of us feed our kids foods that we as adults avoid when we are trying to lose weight. To me that makes no sense.
I am not a dietician, and I have never claimed to be, but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that feeding kids fattening food on a daily basis puts them at a serious disadvantage. I’m not saying you shouldn’t allow kids to have a treat now and then, but it shouldn’t be an everyday thing.
The old saying, “You don’t miss what you never had” has a lot of truth to it.
If kids don’t eat foods with loads of sugar, then they won’t feel like they’re missing much. If they eat fast food every once in a while, they will see it as a reward - not a lifestyle.
I’m sure it’s very hard to tell your son he can’t have certain types of foods; however, I believe in tough love. Sometimes you have to stand your ground to do what’s best for those you care about.
I would also suggest having a talk with your mother-in-law. Give her some guidelines for the foods you want your son to eat. Allow her to treat him every once in a while, but ask her to limit the junk to special occasions. I’m sure she will understand.
