This article is going back to last weeks class articles about child nutrition. The article discusses the lifestyle of a growing child with junk food in their life as opposed to a child with a healthier diet. 'Jane Rees, director of nutrition service/education in adolescent medicine and lecturer in pediatrics at the University of Washington schools of Medicine and Public Health' believes that because of the hectic lifestyles we have today with work, recreational activities, etc. we cannot have the time to have a nutritious meal every single time. Because of this parents let their children have a choice in what they eat. This may not be the best way of doing things. The article continues to say that parents need to be there for their children for advice and supervision. Many children are attracted to the colorful box of sugary cereal, when they should be going for the healthier box of cheerios or something similar. It also states that parents should incorporate their children in the shopping or cooking, and give them responsibilities such as maintaining an account of money. I agree with this article and feel that there are many good points. I feel that it does start with the parents, however after the parents give their children advice then they should let them be and see where it takes them. If more guidance is needed than provide it, but I don't think that "babying" children throughout their lives is the best means for a child's life. As far as maintaining an account with money, I feel that is a great idea and will definitely show a child full responsibilities in the future.
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=9522
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Yes, it is definetley important for the parents to inforce healthy choices for the children but also at the same time giving the children personal choice as well. Many flavors and colors of artficial and non healthy foods that appear fun to kids through colors and charaters can be switched to encourage kids to eat healthy foods by presenting them in a way which is colorful and appeasing and also not overcooking vegetables so they have less color and a overcooked aroma. Also if parents snack on healthy foods around their children it will encourage their children to followin their footsteps.
ReplyDeleteI feel this article would help many parents raising their children. Learning how to teach your children to make healthy choices is something every parents needs to know and in the long run be happy with their parenting skills. Children these days do not understand the side affects of not eating healthy. I think that their should be more education about being healthy to enforce what that parents are trying to teach. Not only is it important for the parents to teach healthy living but if a child get the extra reinforcement at school, things will look better in the future.
ReplyDeleteWhile most of the focus is on children, if we as a society wants to eradicate junk food;it needs to beging at home. First the focus must be on seriously educating parents on how to start a strong foundation at home geared toward health eating. Just because some is a parent, he or she does not instantly becomes a nutritionist or expert cook. This process takes time, and some never really learn the difference between junk food and healthy food. The government could provide some type of early intervention, by offering perhaps free basic nutrition and cooking classes, even how to shop healthy to first time parents; particularly in low income areas where children are most at risk. By teaching parents how to prepare better tasting and more colorfull food, particularly vegetables it would a great way to get kids interested in healthy eating; along with many other great habits. I believe that if parents are adequately prepared, they can in turn empower their children to make healthy choices whether they are at home or away from home.
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