I am not one normally to repost something but in this case I must. It is
a simple, clever and sobering look at childhood obesity, consumerism and social
norms surrounding it. I am reposting this as believe the author deserve the recognition
for such a great article and to raise awareness to the issue.
We live in a very active and healthy city with a near endless supply of
activities, sports, pastimes and new adventures offered within a couple of
hours of your door step. This is a large part of what I love about this city
and why I have chosen to settle here. My wife and I are very active, having
played competitive sport our whole lives, coaching, enjoying winter sports,
running, biking, hiking, going to the gym, boot camps, climbing, swimming,
kayaking and etc. Having not grown up doing much of what I do now it is
something I want to share with my kids and have them enjoy it as well, just
being outdoors is amazing way to spend your childhood.
We also eat very well, by choice and out of need to keep up our
lifestyle. We make a conscience choice not give our kids sugar and food that
they do not need. Why does a 2yr old need, chocolate, ice cream or pop? They don’t,
adults don't need it, they want it. I am fully aware that my kids will be
offered such treats but if you read the above article, where does it stop? I
never realised how bad it really was until I read the article. I knew it, I see
it but I never really made the connection and it really does make you think.
For me it validates what we are doing is the right thing but we do get
ostracized by those that offer what is essentially a very nice gesture, all be
it a forgone conclusion.
I do feel bad having to refuse them, I feel bad saying "no thanks,
she does not eat ice cream" or "she only drinks water". I also
feel sorry for them, I wonder why they feel its okay to offer child diabetes on
a stick, and we really have normalized this behaviour. Yet, I am the bad guy
for saying no thank you.
Our families live between 6 and 15 hrs. flying from us which is both
good and bad for several reasons but they tend to be the worse culprits. On a recent
trip the Grandparents had given my 2yr old a rather large and well accessorised
cookie and a bowl of ice cream, all before lunch. In that respect we are lucky
they are not here every day. This was just one day of 14, they sneak it to her
behind our back and make no apologies when caught. They do not get to see her
as often as we all would like so it really is a treat, it creates a bond and is
something they look forward too upon uniting again.
I do have a rule though, if you give my kids sugar, you are responsible
for them for the next 2 hrs. I will defend the use of treats in potty training
but will leave my stance and argument for another post.
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