“It’s called CHILD ABUSE”- Katie

Wow, I love this subject. I have been saying for years that causing your child to be obese should be child abuse. Notice I used the word CAUSING. We, as parents, are the cause. Our children are the effect. I am so sick and tired of hearing parents complain. “Bobby” just won’t eat anything else, “Suzy” only likes —– (insert your desired name of something, like donuts or sugar cereal). And then they follow it up with. “I can’t” help it, control them, stop them, get them to,…. A huge array of excuses. What it comes down to.. I’m too lazy to…

I’m sure that I am touching a nerve on some people, but those are the ones that need this. Here is the truth. Your children can’t eat what you don’t buy. So what if they throw a fit in the store about not getting what they want. Suck it up. Ignore them and buy what you know it better for them, and leave. After a couple of unsuccessful tries, they will stop the fit throwing. And yes, there will be relapses. They will see a new commercial and try the fit again the next time, but here is what you need to say. “I said NO”

Do you think you are harming them by saying “NO”? Nope, you are harming them by saying “YES”!

Your children won’t eat what isn’t in your home. For example, some kids are snackers. I have one. So my fridge is filled with grapes, carrots, tomatos, WATER,…. They are CHILDREN. You are the PARENT. Your job it to protect them.

Why would you say yes to something that causes harm. Rat poison, cleaners, chemicals… those poison our children, so at a small age, we put locks on our cabinets and tell our children no,no, that is bad, it will hurt you. Not a big deal, right. So instead we fill them with crap that hurts them. Causing obesity, diabetes, thyroid problems, knee pain, low self esteem…. an endless list. Why don’t we tell them NO to the bad overindulgant food? We are poisoning our children!

Please don’t think I am preaching, being self righteous. I have two children. Both that love pastries, and candy, and cake, and pop….But here is the kicker. I only allow them on occasions, and then in small increments. Then they are special. I am teaching my children not to over indulge, not to turn to food, not to become obese! I struggle with my weight, a large number of my family does. But MY CHILDREN DON”T AND THEY WON”T. As parents our job is to give them the tools they need to succeed. I am giving them these tools. Self control, and appreciation. Self control is a tool that will work in any situation through life. School, work, anywhere. and so is Appreciation. They appreciate something special. If you give your kid a plate cake everyday, then why be excited to have birthday cake. If you give them fast food everyday, then what is a special occasion (probably a home cooked meal). OUR CHILDREN ARE THE ME GENERATION!!! And WE are CAUSING the problem.

I have chosen not to put my children in a bad situation, thus the child abuse comment at the beginning of this comment. If you are putting your children is a bad situation, it’s neglect and abuse. So Stop! Put the crap back on the grocery shelf, back out of the drive through, and dump out the can of pop. Pick up some fruit, fill a glass of water, and go on a walk!-Kate