When I hear parents say things like, ‘my child will only eat
chips or chicken nuggets,’ I am dismayed to think that their child has access
to such rubbish daily. I am equally distressed when parents insist that their
child will not eat healthier food choices like fruit and vegetables etc. In my
experience, most children eat when they are hungry and it is parents who choose
what is available, not babies, toddlers and kids. Parents also decide what to consume in front
of their children; where to take them to dine and what groceries to allow into
our homes. If you want your child to get
the maximum out of every aspect of their life, be a strong healthy role model
and ensure that your child has access to a healthy diet every day. Educate your child to understand the benefits
of eating correctly and the detriment of eating junk food.
Too many parents fail miserably when it comes to providing
their children with a healthy, nutritionally balanced diet. I am constantly shocked and disgusted when I
shop at the supermarket and see the amount of flavored sodas, potato chips,
starchy sugary white breads and processed frozen foods in people’s
trolleys. Even driving past fast food
outlets and seeing people inside with their children makes me feel nauseous.
Regardless of how many media articles feature the
consequences of consuming excess sugars, fat and additives, people see fit to
have their fill of these empty artery hardening calories. They make up excuses that are not remotely
plausible and many of them blame external influences for their choices. It is one thing to deny yourself an
adequately nutritional diet, however to role model such disgraceful eating
habits to your child is worse. It is
arguably criminal, (yes, some countries are considering legislation regarding
obesity etc) to continually provide junk food to your children. Our kids are not garbage compactors, they are
little people who have living cells, arteries, muscles, bones and brains that
require nutritious fuel to enable them to reach their full potential physically
and mentally.
It is not only neglectful of parents to make the choices
that lead to this disease amongst children; it is abusive and child protection
agencies are beginning to recognize it as such.
Even if your child does not look fat, if you are constantly letting them
eat fatty, sugary processed foods, they aren't going to be in the peak of
health.
No child would choose to be overweight,
ridiculed, weak, sleepy, hyper-active, diabetic, die young or any of the other
side effects of malnutrition from a diet of junky fat and sugary food and
drinks. How could a parent who claims to
love their child make that choice for them and get away with it? Governments should not have to make
legislation, or foot the bill for the medical strain poor parenting decisions
have on the health of our population. It
is up to parents, guardians and other role models in our children’s lives to
step and be accountable for the ongoing health and happiness of ours and future
generations.
be a good role model
stop food abuse..stop child abuse
