When should a school intervene? Never? (school lunch issue)

7elizamae
7elizamae Posts: 758 Member
edited November 17 in Food and Nutrition
I have a student (2nd grader) who usually comes to school eating from a gigantic bag of Doritos and drinking a brightly colored energy drink. That's her breakfast. Sometimes she has Cheetos instead.

I don't intervene. Would you?
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Replies

  • galgenstrick
    galgenstrick Posts: 2,086 Member
    A second grader drinking an energy drink??! Like red bull??!
  • TheVirgoddess
    TheVirgoddess Posts: 4,535 Member
    No, I wouldn't.
  • Mr_Knight
    Mr_Knight Posts: 9,532 Member
    How exactly would you "intervene"?
  • CooCooPuff
    CooCooPuff Posts: 4,374 Member
    edited May 2015
    What are the district's policies? I would ask an administrator or a trusted co-worker before thinking of bringing parents into it.
  • kamakazeekim
    kamakazeekim Posts: 1,183 Member
    I would talk to the whole class about healthy eating and physical activity and send a note home to all parents expressing that your class is focusing on healthy living habits and that you encourage children to bring a well balanced meal/snack to school.
  • forgivensins
    forgivensins Posts: 90 Member
    Can't there be an activity for this without making it a personal intervention? I did an activity at the Y the other day as a volunteer for Healthy Kids Day; we had kids get stars for jumping jacks or pushups and we had an activity where they sorted plastic fruits/veggies and snacks as healthy etc. Pretty sure there are paper versions of this that can be tied into a fun learning experience rather than an intervention. No personal judgment there btw, I just think it might be more detrimental to the child to be told that something is straight out 'wrong'.
  • LoupGarouTFTs
    LoupGarouTFTs Posts: 916 Member
    I would talk to the whole class about healthy eating and physical activity and send a note home to all parents expressing that your class is focusing on healthy living habits and that you encourage children to bring a well balanced meal/snack to school.

    I agree with this idea. In my opinion, schools should only intervene in safety issues.
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
    edited May 2015
    I would probably intervene if the child were up to 7th-8th grade. At that point i would acknowledge their own choices. I would be willing to assist them with making the right food choices, but if they are fat, get diabetes, and get picked on it's their own perogative at that point.


    Now if it's a child child (?) then i would absolutely intervene**. I would only do so by collective the offending item and replacing it with something else. For example, in the breakfast situation i would collect the redbull and cheetos and give them an apple and a milk. Or a banana and a yogurt. something to that effect.

    I would then send them home with the offending item and a handwritten note that they had received a healthier option instead. I would probably say something along the lines of... "XChild has had low energy lately" or "XChild seems to be having problems integrating and playing with the other students" or "XChild is having problems in PE/Recess" and it "may be because they didn't have a nutritious and healthy breakfast. So i bought them something that may be more beneficial to their studies/health".

    If the parents are ballsy enough to send the child to class with the items again i would write them a serious fat-hating/angry/shitlord letter.

    **Note: I would only intervene if the product was genuinely terrible for their health or completely lacking in any nutritional value. It'd have to be a meal of oreos, doritos/cheetos, and packaged donuts only for me to really step in. I dont presume to know their diet outside of school and i recognize that even in my own diet these things can be eaten in moderation. I wouldn't flip about one "bad" side or one "bad" portion. I'm saying if the entire meal was devoid of nutrition.
  • mathandcats
    mathandcats Posts: 786 Member
    I think anything beyond a discussion or note to the parent is probably overstepping bounds, as hard as it may be to watch.
  • galgenstrick
    galgenstrick Posts: 2,086 Member
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    I would probably intervene if the child were up to 7th-8th grade. At that point i would acknowledge their own choices. I would be willing to assist them with making the right food choices, but if they are fat, get diabetes, and get picked on it's their own perogative at that point.


    Now if it's a child child (?) then i would absolutely intervene**. I would only do so by collective the offending item and replacing it with something else. For example, in the breakfast situation i would collect the redbull and cheetos and give them an apple and a milk. Or a banana and a yogurt. something to that effect.

    I would then send them home with the offending item and a handwritten note that they had received a healthier option instead. I would probably say something along the lines of... "XChild has had low energy lately" or "XChild seems to be having problems integrating and playing with the other students" or "XChild is having problems in PE/Recess" and it "may be because they didn't have a nutritious and healthy breakfast. So i bought them something that may be more beneficial to their studies/health".

    If the parents are ballsy enough to send the child to class with the items again i would write them a serious fat-hating/angry/shitlord letter.

    **Note: I would only intervene if the product was genuinely terrible for their health or completely lacking in any nutritional value. It'd have to be a meal of oreos, doritos/cheetos, and packaged donuts only for me to really step in. I dont presume to know their diet outside of school and i recognize that even in my own diet these things can be eaten in moderation. I wouldn't flip about one "bad" side or one "bad" portion. I'm saying if the entire meal was devoid of nutrition.

    Wouldn't you get sued and fired for that nowadays? Not sure if you can do much but try to educate the class as a whole on eating healthier.
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    I would probably intervene if the child were up to 7th-8th grade. At that point i would acknowledge their own choices. I would be willing to assist them with making the right food choices, but if they are fat, get diabetes, and get picked on it's their own perogative at that point.


    Now if it's a child child (?) then i would absolutely intervene**. I would only do so by collective the offending item and replacing it with something else. For example, in the breakfast situation i would collect the redbull and cheetos and give them an apple and a milk. Or a banana and a yogurt. something to that effect.

    I would then send them home with the offending item and a handwritten note that they had received a healthier option instead. I would probably say something along the lines of... "XChild has had low energy lately" or "XChild seems to be having problems integrating and playing with the other students" or "XChild is having problems in PE/Recess" and it "may be because they didn't have a nutritious and healthy breakfast. So i bought them something that may be more beneficial to their studies/health".

    If the parents are ballsy enough to send the child to class with the items again i would write them a serious fat-hating/angry/shitlord letter.

    **Note: I would only intervene if the product was genuinely terrible for their health or completely lacking in any nutritional value. It'd have to be a meal of oreos, doritos/cheetos, and packaged donuts only for me to really step in. I dont presume to know their diet outside of school and i recognize that even in my own diet these things can be eaten in moderation. I wouldn't flip about one "bad" side or one "bad" portion. I'm saying if the entire meal was devoid of nutrition.

    Wouldn't you get sued and fired for that nowadays? Not sure if you can do much but try to educate the class as a whole on eating healthier.

    I don't know. I personally think we are way too damn sensitive on the subject regarding weight. If you are abusing your child (I.E. not proving them with sustenance) i'd find it my moral obligation to do so.

    I guess it's a great thing i'm not a teacher though. Because the one thing i can't stand is a fat-f%%% parent who is pushing that lifestyle/deathstyle onto their children.
  • LoupGarouTFTs
    LoupGarouTFTs Posts: 916 Member
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    I would probably intervene if the child were up to 7th-8th grade. At that point i would acknowledge their own choices. I would be willing to assist them with making the right food choices, but if they are fat, get diabetes, and get picked on it's their own perogative at that point.


    Now if it's a child child (?) then i would absolutely intervene**. I would only do so by collective the offending item and replacing it with something else. For example, in the breakfast situation i would collect the redbull and cheetos and give them an apple and a milk. Or a banana and a yogurt. something to that effect.

    I would then send them home with the offending item and a handwritten note that they had received a healthier option instead. I would probably say something along the lines of... "XChild has had low energy lately" or "XChild seems to be having problems integrating and playing with the other students" or "XChild is having problems in PE/Recess" and it "may be because they didn't have a nutritious and healthy breakfast. So i bought them something that may be more beneficial to their studies/health".

    If the parents are ballsy enough to send the child to class with the items again i would write them a serious fat-hating/angry/shitlord letter.

    **Note: I would only intervene if the product was genuinely terrible for their health or completely lacking in any nutritional value. It'd have to be a meal of oreos, doritos/cheetos, and packaged donuts only for me to really step in. I dont presume to know their diet outside of school and i recognize that even in my own diet these things can be eaten in moderation. I wouldn't flip about one "bad" side or one "bad" portion. I'm saying if the entire meal was devoid of nutrition.

    Unless the child is your child, it's not your business.
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    I would probably intervene if the child were up to 7th-8th grade. At that point i would acknowledge their own choices. I would be willing to assist them with making the right food choices, but if they are fat, get diabetes, and get picked on it's their own perogative at that point.


    Now if it's a child child (?) then i would absolutely intervene**. I would only do so by collective the offending item and replacing it with something else. For example, in the breakfast situation i would collect the redbull and cheetos and give them an apple and a milk. Or a banana and a yogurt. something to that effect.

    I would then send them home with the offending item and a handwritten note that they had received a healthier option instead. I would probably say something along the lines of... "XChild has had low energy lately" or "XChild seems to be having problems integrating and playing with the other students" or "XChild is having problems in PE/Recess" and it "may be because they didn't have a nutritious and healthy breakfast. So i bought them something that may be more beneficial to their studies/health".

    If the parents are ballsy enough to send the child to class with the items again i would write them a serious fat-hating/angry/shitlord letter.

    **Note: I would only intervene if the product was genuinely terrible for their health or completely lacking in any nutritional value. It'd have to be a meal of oreos, doritos/cheetos, and packaged donuts only for me to really step in. I dont presume to know their diet outside of school and i recognize that even in my own diet these things can be eaten in moderation. I wouldn't flip about one "bad" side or one "bad" portion. I'm saying if the entire meal was devoid of nutrition.

    Unless the child is your child, it's not your business.

    assuming it'd be my responsibility to discipline, teach, and shape the future of generations to come; i'd say it's my business.
  • LoupGarouTFTs
    LoupGarouTFTs Posts: 916 Member
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    I would probably intervene if the child were up to 7th-8th grade. At that point i would acknowledge their own choices. I would be willing to assist them with making the right food choices, but if they are fat, get diabetes, and get picked on it's their own perogative at that point.


    Now if it's a child child (?) then i would absolutely intervene**. I would only do so by collective the offending item and replacing it with something else. For example, in the breakfast situation i would collect the redbull and cheetos and give them an apple and a milk. Or a banana and a yogurt. something to that effect.

    I would then send them home with the offending item and a handwritten note that they had received a healthier option instead. I would probably say something along the lines of... "XChild has had low energy lately" or "XChild seems to be having problems integrating and playing with the other students" or "XChild is having problems in PE/Recess" and it "may be because they didn't have a nutritious and healthy breakfast. So i bought them something that may be more beneficial to their studies/health".

    If the parents are ballsy enough to send the child to class with the items again i would write them a serious fat-hating/angry/shitlord letter.

    **Note: I would only intervene if the product was genuinely terrible for their health or completely lacking in any nutritional value. It'd have to be a meal of oreos, doritos/cheetos, and packaged donuts only for me to really step in. I dont presume to know their diet outside of school and i recognize that even in my own diet these things can be eaten in moderation. I wouldn't flip about one "bad" side or one "bad" portion. I'm saying if the entire meal was devoid of nutrition.

    Unless the child is your child, it's not your business.

    assuming it'd be my responsibility to discipline, teach, and shape the future of generations to come; i'd say it's my business.

    No. Your job is to teach. Taking away the child's food and passing judgment on his/her family's lifestyle is beyond the scope of your job description.
  • fallenoaks4
    fallenoaks4 Posts: 63 Member
    No. I'm sure her parents (or whoever is providing this) is well aware that Doritos are not a great breakfast.
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    I would probably intervene if the child were up to 7th-8th grade. At that point i would acknowledge their own choices. I would be willing to assist them with making the right food choices, but if they are fat, get diabetes, and get picked on it's their own perogative at that point.


    Now if it's a child child (?) then i would absolutely intervene**. I would only do so by collective the offending item and replacing it with something else. For example, in the breakfast situation i would collect the redbull and cheetos and give them an apple and a milk. Or a banana and a yogurt. something to that effect.

    I would then send them home with the offending item and a handwritten note that they had received a healthier option instead. I would probably say something along the lines of... "XChild has had low energy lately" or "XChild seems to be having problems integrating and playing with the other students" or "XChild is having problems in PE/Recess" and it "may be because they didn't have a nutritious and healthy breakfast. So i bought them something that may be more beneficial to their studies/health".

    If the parents are ballsy enough to send the child to class with the items again i would write them a serious fat-hating/angry/shitlord letter.

    **Note: I would only intervene if the product was genuinely terrible for their health or completely lacking in any nutritional value. It'd have to be a meal of oreos, doritos/cheetos, and packaged donuts only for me to really step in. I dont presume to know their diet outside of school and i recognize that even in my own diet these things can be eaten in moderation. I wouldn't flip about one "bad" side or one "bad" portion. I'm saying if the entire meal was devoid of nutrition.

    Unless the child is your child, it's not your business.

    assuming it'd be my responsibility to discipline, teach, and shape the future of generations to come; i'd say it's my business.

    No. Your job is to teach. Taking away the child's food and passing judgment on his/her family's lifestyle is beyond the scope of your job description.

    I have to wonder though, when 2/3rds of society is overweight and the future generations are now the first that will NOT outlive their parents/ancestors when it WILL be time to step in and make it everyone's business.

    When young children are now having to deal with lifelong diabetes, heart problems, the whole slew of health issues caused by obesity, and are having to undergo life-threatening surgeries to shrink their stomaches when society will decide as a whole that this detached, disinterested, not-my-job, only care about myself and screw everyone else- mentality will have to end.

    If their POS parents can't care about their children's future or lives, it's time to step in and do it. If a parent is beating their child i'd report it. If a child is being sexually assulted by a parent i'd report it. And if a child's parent is literally ruining their life-long health, i'd do the same.
  • novasunflower
    novasunflower Posts: 29 Member
    I would call CPS...but I'm an *kitten* who thinks parents who can't manage (read:neglect) to feed their kids properly need some guidance from the state.
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
    I would call CPS...but I'm an *kitten* who thinks parents who can't manage (read:neglect) to feed their kids properly need some guidance from the state.

    I dont see how that makes you an *kitten*... if anything it makes you seem like you actually care about that child's wellbeing.
  • galgenstrick
    galgenstrick Posts: 2,086 Member
    edited May 2015
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    I would probably intervene if the child were up to 7th-8th grade. At that point i would acknowledge their own choices. I would be willing to assist them with making the right food choices, but if they are fat, get diabetes, and get picked on it's their own perogative at that point.


    Now if it's a child child (?) then i would absolutely intervene**. I would only do so by collective the offending item and replacing it with something else. For example, in the breakfast situation i would collect the redbull and cheetos and give them an apple and a milk. Or a banana and a yogurt. something to that effect.

    I would then send them home with the offending item and a handwritten note that they had received a healthier option instead. I would probably say something along the lines of... "XChild has had low energy lately" or "XChild seems to be having problems integrating and playing with the other students" or "XChild is having problems in PE/Recess" and it "may be because they didn't have a nutritious and healthy breakfast. So i bought them something that may be more beneficial to their studies/health".

    If the parents are ballsy enough to send the child to class with the items again i would write them a serious fat-hating/angry/shitlord letter.

    **Note: I would only intervene if the product was genuinely terrible for their health or completely lacking in any nutritional value. It'd have to be a meal of oreos, doritos/cheetos, and packaged donuts only for me to really step in. I dont presume to know their diet outside of school and i recognize that even in my own diet these things can be eaten in moderation. I wouldn't flip about one "bad" side or one "bad" portion. I'm saying if the entire meal was devoid of nutrition.

    Wouldn't you get sued and fired for that nowadays? Not sure if you can do much but try to educate the class as a whole on eating healthier.

    I don't know. I personally think we are way too damn sensitive on the subject regarding weight. If you are abusing your child (I.E. not proving them with sustenance) i'd find it my moral obligation to do so.

    I guess it's a great thing i'm not a teacher though. Because the one thing i can't stand is a fat-f%%% parent who is pushing that lifestyle/deathstyle onto their children.

    I agree with you there. And I believe people shouldn't be allowed to have children unless the future parents are audited... But, that's not how our society is and unfortunately we have to play by the rules.
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
    edited May 2015
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    I would probably intervene if the child were up to 7th-8th grade. At that point i would acknowledge their own choices. I would be willing to assist them with making the right food choices, but if they are fat, get diabetes, and get picked on it's their own perogative at that point.


    Now if it's a child child (?) then i would absolutely intervene**. I would only do so by collective the offending item and replacing it with something else. For example, in the breakfast situation i would collect the redbull and cheetos and give them an apple and a milk. Or a banana and a yogurt. something to that effect.

    I would then send them home with the offending item and a handwritten note that they had received a healthier option instead. I would probably say something along the lines of... "XChild has had low energy lately" or "XChild seems to be having problems integrating and playing with the other students" or "XChild is having problems in PE/Recess" and it "may be because they didn't have a nutritious and healthy breakfast. So i bought them something that may be more beneficial to their studies/health".

    If the parents are ballsy enough to send the child to class with the items again i would write them a serious fat-hating/angry/shitlord letter.

    **Note: I would only intervene if the product was genuinely terrible for their health or completely lacking in any nutritional value. It'd have to be a meal of oreos, doritos/cheetos, and packaged donuts only for me to really step in. I dont presume to know their diet outside of school and i recognize that even in my own diet these things can be eaten in moderation. I wouldn't flip about one "bad" side or one "bad" portion. I'm saying if the entire meal was devoid of nutrition.

    Wouldn't you get sued and fired for that nowadays? Not sure if you can do much but try to educate the class as a whole on eating healthier.

    I don't know. I personally think we are way too damn sensitive on the subject regarding weight. If you are abusing your child (I.E. not proving them with sustenance) i'd find it my moral obligation to do so.

    I guess it's a great thing i'm not a teacher though. Because the one thing i can't stand is a fat-f%%% parent who is pushing that lifestyle/deathstyle onto their children.

    I agree with you there. And I believe people shouldn't be allowed to have children unless the future parents are audited... But, that's not how our society is and unfortunately we have to play by the rules.

    rules can be changed if the mindset of society changes. And the only way that's going to happen is to make an impact and impart as much knowledge as possible. It's sure as hell not by having a "not my problem" mentality^ as suggested above.

  • Mr_Knight
    Mr_Knight Posts: 9,532 Member
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    I would probably intervene if the child were up to 7th-8th grade. At that point i would acknowledge their own choices. I would be willing to assist them with making the right food choices, but if they are fat, get diabetes, and get picked on it's their own perogative at that point.


    Now if it's a child child (?) then i would absolutely intervene**. I would only do so by collective the offending item and replacing it with something else. For example, in the breakfast situation i would collect the redbull and cheetos and give them an apple and a milk. Or a banana and a yogurt. something to that effect.

    I would then send them home with the offending item and a handwritten note that they had received a healthier option instead. I would probably say something along the lines of... "XChild has had low energy lately" or "XChild seems to be having problems integrating and playing with the other students" or "XChild is having problems in PE/Recess" and it "may be because they didn't have a nutritious and healthy breakfast. So i bought them something that may be more beneficial to their studies/health".

    If the parents are ballsy enough to send the child to class with the items again i would write them a serious fat-hating/angry/shitlord letter.

    **Note: I would only intervene if the product was genuinely terrible for their health or completely lacking in any nutritional value. It'd have to be a meal of oreos, doritos/cheetos, and packaged donuts only for me to really step in. I dont presume to know their diet outside of school and i recognize that even in my own diet these things can be eaten in moderation. I wouldn't flip about one "bad" side or one "bad" portion. I'm saying if the entire meal was devoid of nutrition.

    Unless the child is your child, it's not your business.

    assuming it'd be my responsibility to discipline, teach, and shape the future of generations to come; i'd say it's my business.

    No. Your job would be to teach the curriculum you're hired to teach.

    If it's a school with formal policies, then that would be different.
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
    Mr_Knight wrote: »
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    I would probably intervene if the child were up to 7th-8th grade. At that point i would acknowledge their own choices. I would be willing to assist them with making the right food choices, but if they are fat, get diabetes, and get picked on it's their own perogative at that point.


    Now if it's a child child (?) then i would absolutely intervene**. I would only do so by collective the offending item and replacing it with something else. For example, in the breakfast situation i would collect the redbull and cheetos and give them an apple and a milk. Or a banana and a yogurt. something to that effect.

    I would then send them home with the offending item and a handwritten note that they had received a healthier option instead. I would probably say something along the lines of... "XChild has had low energy lately" or "XChild seems to be having problems integrating and playing with the other students" or "XChild is having problems in PE/Recess" and it "may be because they didn't have a nutritious and healthy breakfast. So i bought them something that may be more beneficial to their studies/health".

    If the parents are ballsy enough to send the child to class with the items again i would write them a serious fat-hating/angry/shitlord letter.

    **Note: I would only intervene if the product was genuinely terrible for their health or completely lacking in any nutritional value. It'd have to be a meal of oreos, doritos/cheetos, and packaged donuts only for me to really step in. I dont presume to know their diet outside of school and i recognize that even in my own diet these things can be eaten in moderation. I wouldn't flip about one "bad" side or one "bad" portion. I'm saying if the entire meal was devoid of nutrition.

    Unless the child is your child, it's not your business.

    assuming it'd be my responsibility to discipline, teach, and shape the future of generations to come; i'd say it's my business.

    No. Your job would be to teach the curriculum you're hired to teach.

    If it's a school with formal policies, then that would be different.

    Good. Then we can have a bunch of well-educated 30 year olds who die from their morbid obesity.
  • Mr_Knight
    Mr_Knight Posts: 9,532 Member
    edited May 2015
    I would call CPS...

    Society has enough issues without that kind of passive-aggressive posturing.

    If you don't have the courage to say it directly to the parents, you have no business sending the authorities after them.
  • LoupGarouTFTs
    LoupGarouTFTs Posts: 916 Member
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    I would probably intervene if the child were up to 7th-8th grade. At that point i would acknowledge their own choices. I would be willing to assist them with making the right food choices, but if they are fat, get diabetes, and get picked on it's their own perogative at that point.


    Now if it's a child child (?) then i would absolutely intervene**. I would only do so by collective the offending item and replacing it with something else. For example, in the breakfast situation i would collect the redbull and cheetos and give them an apple and a milk. Or a banana and a yogurt. something to that effect.

    I would then send them home with the offending item and a handwritten note that they had received a healthier option instead. I would probably say something along the lines of... "XChild has had low energy lately" or "XChild seems to be having problems integrating and playing with the other students" or "XChild is having problems in PE/Recess" and it "may be because they didn't have a nutritious and healthy breakfast. So i bought them something that may be more beneficial to their studies/health".

    If the parents are ballsy enough to send the child to class with the items again i would write them a serious fat-hating/angry/shitlord letter.

    **Note: I would only intervene if the product was genuinely terrible for their health or completely lacking in any nutritional value. It'd have to be a meal of oreos, doritos/cheetos, and packaged donuts only for me to really step in. I dont presume to know their diet outside of school and i recognize that even in my own diet these things can be eaten in moderation. I wouldn't flip about one "bad" side or one "bad" portion. I'm saying if the entire meal was devoid of nutrition.

    Unless the child is your child, it's not your business.

    assuming it'd be my responsibility to discipline, teach, and shape the future of generations to come; i'd say it's my business.

    No. Your job is to teach. Taking away the child's food and passing judgment on his/her family's lifestyle is beyond the scope of your job description.

    I have to wonder though, when 2/3rds of society is overweight and the future generations are now the first that will NOT outlive their parents/ancestors when it WILL be time to step in and make it everyone's business.

    When young children are now having to deal with lifelong diabetes, heart problems, the whole slew of health issues caused by obesity, and are having to undergo life-threatening surgeries to shrink their stomaches when society will decide as a whole that this detached, disinterested, not-my-job, only care about myself and screw everyone else- mentality will have to end.

    If their POS parents can't care about their children's future or lives, it's time to step in and do it. If a parent is beating their child i'd report it. If a child is being sexually assulted by a parent i'd report it. And if a child's parent is literally ruining their life-long health, i'd do the same.

    Any teacher who calls a person a "POS parent" because his or her child is eating Doritos needs to take a big step back and remove him- or herself from the situation. Objectivity has long since flown out the window and the teacher is at risk of creating a greater problem. A bag of Doritos is not the same thing as a beating or sexual assault--that's just a ridiculously flawed argument that is so full of fallacies I don't know where to begin.
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
    Mr_Knight wrote: »
    I would call CPS...

    Society has enough issues without that kind of passive-aggressive posturing.

    If you don't have the courage to say it directly to the parents, you have no business sending the authorities after them.

    So it's not our problem we should just "teach". But wait, "you have no right to complain unless you do so to the parents directly".

    Glad you always come on threads to play devil's advocate.

  • Mr_Knight
    Mr_Knight Posts: 9,532 Member
    edited May 2015
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    Mr_Knight wrote: »
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    I would probably intervene if the child were up to 7th-8th grade. At that point i would acknowledge their own choices. I would be willing to assist them with making the right food choices, but if they are fat, get diabetes, and get picked on it's their own perogative at that point.


    Now if it's a child child (?) then i would absolutely intervene**. I would only do so by collective the offending item and replacing it with something else. For example, in the breakfast situation i would collect the redbull and cheetos and give them an apple and a milk. Or a banana and a yogurt. something to that effect.

    I would then send them home with the offending item and a handwritten note that they had received a healthier option instead. I would probably say something along the lines of... "XChild has had low energy lately" or "XChild seems to be having problems integrating and playing with the other students" or "XChild is having problems in PE/Recess" and it "may be because they didn't have a nutritious and healthy breakfast. So i bought them something that may be more beneficial to their studies/health".

    If the parents are ballsy enough to send the child to class with the items again i would write them a serious fat-hating/angry/shitlord letter.

    **Note: I would only intervene if the product was genuinely terrible for their health or completely lacking in any nutritional value. It'd have to be a meal of oreos, doritos/cheetos, and packaged donuts only for me to really step in. I dont presume to know their diet outside of school and i recognize that even in my own diet these things can be eaten in moderation. I wouldn't flip about one "bad" side or one "bad" portion. I'm saying if the entire meal was devoid of nutrition.

    Unless the child is your child, it's not your business.

    assuming it'd be my responsibility to discipline, teach, and shape the future of generations to come; i'd say it's my business.

    No. Your job would be to teach the curriculum you're hired to teach.

    If it's a school with formal policies, then that would be different.

    Good. Then we can have a bunch of well-educated 30 year olds who die from their morbid obesity.

    Right. Because that's a typical outcome when a kid brings a bag of dorritos to school.

    If there's an issue, you talk directly with the parents. If it's not worth talking to the parents about, it's not really that important to you, so there is no justification to interfere with the child.
  • precinct13
    precinct13 Posts: 2 Member
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    I would probably intervene if the child were up to 7th-8th grade. At that point i would acknowledge their own choices. I would be willing to assist them with making the right food choices, but if they are fat, get diabetes, and get picked on it's their own perogative at that point.


    Now if it's a child child (?) then i would absolutely intervene**. I would only do so by collective the offending item and replacing it with something else. For example, in the breakfast situation i would collect the redbull and cheetos and give them an apple and a milk. Or a banana and a yogurt. something to that effect.

    I would then send them home with the offending item and a handwritten note that they had received a healthier option instead. I would probably say something along the lines of... "XChild has had low energy lately" or "XChild seems to be having problems integrating and playing with the other students" or "XChild is having problems in PE/Recess" and it "may be because they didn't have a nutritious and healthy breakfast. So i bought them something that may be more beneficial to their studies/health".

    If the parents are ballsy enough to send the child to class with the items again i would write them a serious fat-hating/angry/shitlord letter.

    **Note: I would only intervene if the product was genuinely terrible for their health or completely lacking in any nutritional value. It'd have to be a meal of oreos, doritos/cheetos, and packaged donuts only for me to really step in. I dont presume to know their diet outside of school and i recognize that even in my own diet these things can be eaten in moderation. I wouldn't flip about one "bad" side or one "bad" portion. I'm saying if the entire meal was devoid of nutrition.

    Unless the child is your child, it's not your business.

    assuming it'd be my responsibility to discipline, teach, and shape the future of generations to come; i'd say it's my business.

    No. Your job is to teach. Taking away the child's food and passing judgment on his/her family's lifestyle is beyond the scope of your job description.

    So by this rationale if a child is unusually withdrawn, is too tired to participate, or has suspicious bruises, the teacher should ignore it because it's not their business. A teacher's job is to teach?

    Feeding a child this sort of garbage could be indicative of poor parenting, or in the least poor preparation for the morning routine. And of course a poor diet - especially one featuring drinks that are of questionable benefit for athletic recovery and utter poison to anyone else - could result in poor school performance, as well as poor health and malnutrition.

    We must ask, is this the result of busyness on the parents' part, or laziness, and in what other areas of their relationship with their child could they be neglectful? This example might seem like a small thing but a teacher has a duty of care towards their students beyond standing at the front and reading from the textbook.
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
    edited May 2015
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    I would probably intervene if the child were up to 7th-8th grade. At that point i would acknowledge their own choices. I would be willing to assist them with making the right food choices, but if they are fat, get diabetes, and get picked on it's their own perogative at that point.


    Now if it's a child child (?) then i would absolutely intervene**. I would only do so by collective the offending item and replacing it with something else. For example, in the breakfast situation i would collect the redbull and cheetos and give them an apple and a milk. Or a banana and a yogurt. something to that effect.

    I would then send them home with the offending item and a handwritten note that they had received a healthier option instead. I would probably say something along the lines of... "XChild has had low energy lately" or "XChild seems to be having problems integrating and playing with the other students" or "XChild is having problems in PE/Recess" and it "may be because they didn't have a nutritious and healthy breakfast. So i bought them something that may be more beneficial to their studies/health".

    If the parents are ballsy enough to send the child to class with the items again i would write them a serious fat-hating/angry/shitlord letter.

    **Note: I would only intervene if the product was genuinely terrible for their health or completely lacking in any nutritional value. It'd have to be a meal of oreos, doritos/cheetos, and packaged donuts only for me to really step in. I dont presume to know their diet outside of school and i recognize that even in my own diet these things can be eaten in moderation. I wouldn't flip about one "bad" side or one "bad" portion. I'm saying if the entire meal was devoid of nutrition.

    Unless the child is your child, it's not your business.

    assuming it'd be my responsibility to discipline, teach, and shape the future of generations to come; i'd say it's my business.

    No. Your job is to teach. Taking away the child's food and passing judgment on his/her family's lifestyle is beyond the scope of your job description.

    I have to wonder though, when 2/3rds of society is overweight and the future generations are now the first that will NOT outlive their parents/ancestors when it WILL be time to step in and make it everyone's business.

    When young children are now having to deal with lifelong diabetes, heart problems, the whole slew of health issues caused by obesity, and are having to undergo life-threatening surgeries to shrink their stomaches when society will decide as a whole that this detached, disinterested, not-my-job, only care about myself and screw everyone else- mentality will have to end.

    If their POS parents can't care about their children's future or lives, it's time to step in and do it. If a parent is beating their child i'd report it. If a child is being sexually assulted by a parent i'd report it. And if a child's parent is literally ruining their life-long health, i'd do the same.

    Any teacher who calls a person a "POS parent" because his or her child is eating Doritos needs to take a big step back and remove him- or herself from the situation. Objectivity has long since flown out the window and the teacher is at risk of creating a greater problem. A bag of Doritos is not the same thing as a beating or sexual assault--that's just a ridiculously flawed argument that is so full of fallacies I don't know where to begin.

    I said.... and i quote "It'd have to be a meal of oreos, doritos/cheetos, and packaged donuts only for me to really step in. I dont presume to know their diet outside of school and i recognize that even in my own diet these things can be eaten in moderation. I wouldn't flip about one "bad" side or one "bad" portion. I'm saying if the entire meal was devoid of nutrition."

    And my first recourse would be providing the child with actual sustenance.

    If you think for a second that only proving *kitten* junk for your child to eat isn't abuse then.... well, i'm so sorry.
  • trivard676
    trivard676 Posts: 90 Member
    I grew up eating Lunchables and a not-actually-milk milkshake for most of Kindergarten, and that was it. No apple or celery for a snack, no carrots or salad, nothing else. Would you call that healthy? Would you talk to my parents face to face about how you disapproved of their food choices for their child? Or would you silently thank them for feeding me at all? Is this a child that is being abused or neglected otherwise? Does the family not have enough money to spend on other, healthier foods? I know, that sounds ridiculous, but junk food is often times less expensive than healthier alternatives. Are there any other indicators of abuse or neglect?

    If not, I'm afraid that you're going to have to educate on healthier alternatives during (if you have one) a food and nutrition course. If this is something that really bothers you, talk to the principal about implementing policies about no energy drinks at school. Energy drink aside (because kids shouldn't be drinking those), this could be an instance where mom and dad are doing the best they can and giving them a breakfast and little Janie decided that she wanted some Cheetos before school.

    I would only intervene if there were indicators of abuse or neglect. We all want the best for future generations, but sometimes we have to pick our battles.
  • softblondechick
    softblondechick Posts: 1,275 Member
    Don't do it. And don't judge. At least this kid has food. She probably packs her own food, from what is in the home. I doubt anyone packs her lunch, or even pays much attention to her.

    Some kids just survive childhood.
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