Do you think parents should teach their kids how to count calories?

MobOfBricks

Absolutely.
Teaching a kid what and how to eat properly is the parent's duty.
Forcing kids to count calories for no apparent reason it seems kind of abusive to me.
We teach our kids how to use scissors, computers, knives, forks, hammers and everything else.
Counting calories fits into "learn how and use it when/if needed".

ljw5021

I think it's a far more effective investment to teach kids about the value of physical activity and eating whole, real foods instead of giving them some Rainman type complex every time they're hungry.

perkymommy

Depends on the child I guess. My stepchild is obese and weighs almost 120 lbs at age 9. I try to measure out portions and watch what she eats but she gets the food elsewhere. At her young age she can't understand what she's doing to herself and hates missing out on food that others get to eat. Hopefully one day it will click with her. I love her and never want her to get heart disease or diabetes.

DarrelBirkett

In short, no.

But I have 3 boys (9, 7 & 2) And because I have an interest in nutrition and talk to them about it, I think they are more aware of nutrition than I ever was as a kid. They're active and understand the need to eat well.

This said, I'd not be against someone thinking that way. I'm just as for parenting how you want as well and if that helps someone teach their kids good habits and knowledge then so be it.

ttippie2000

In general, no. Principles and examples of healthy eating, sure.

Yes, but only in the context of coaching competitive athletes. (And I'm talking about taking in enough good fuel to power your workouts.) Nutrition for athletes is sometimes harder for them to learn than their sport. And race day nutrition is a different issue altogether. On race day a kid is nervous, sometimes scared, and they look to their coach for calm, stability, strategy and focus. Help 'em out a bit and it'll make it easier for them to get into the zone.

theresejesu

leanitup123 wrote: »

I don't. You?

I don't either. I think all that is needed is what to eat, what to avoid and portion size along with ensuring there is enough activity.

I think counting calories just adds a level of unnecessary stress to their lives unless there is a genuine, compelling reason for them to do so.

clicketykeys

There's an important difference between "to" and "how to." My biggest concern is time. You can't teach a kid everything. I don't think calorie counting is fundamental, like reading or arithmetic, or the developments that happen around puberty. But if the kid expresses interest, why not?

Lyric_Momma

There comes an age that it might become appropriate, but young children NO!
My son is 3. He lives off of pizza and PB&J. Luckliy he loves fruit, but veggies are a struggle. He's 3... I'm letting him be a kid, but I will be teaching him healthy habits. He knows apples are healthy because they come from trees. As his mom I am responsible for making sure he gets proper nutrition. Sure I let him have junk food, but his "candy pops" are really yogurt that I have frozen. His pizza has scrambled eggs hidden under the cheese.

neldabg

Lyric_Momma wrote: »

There comes an age that it might become appropriate, but young children NO!
My son is 3. He lives off of pizza and PB&J. Luckliy he loves fruit, but veggies are a struggle. He's 3... I'm letting him be a kid, but I will be teaching him healthy habits. He knows apples are healthy because they come from trees. As his mom I am responsible for making sure he gets proper nutrition. Sure I let him have junk food, but his "candy pops" are really yogurt that I have frozen. His pizza has scrambled eggs hidden under the cheese.

?? As his mom, it's also important to teach him the *correct* reason why some foods are more nutritious than others.

Jennifer5214

Kids should be taught about nutrition: how to have a balanced diet... carbohydrates, fats and protein. Calorie counting, not so much.

Unknown

This content has been removed.

Lyric_Momma

neldabg wrote: »

Lyric_Momma wrote: »

There comes an age that it might become appropriate, but young children NO!
My son is 3. He lives off of pizza and PB&J. Luckliy he loves fruit, but veggies are a struggle. He's 3... I'm letting him be a kid, but I will be teaching him healthy habits. He knows apples are healthy because they come from trees. As his mom I am responsible for making sure he gets proper nutrition. Sure I let him have junk food, but his "candy pops" are really yogurt that I have frozen. His pizza has scrambled eggs hidden under the cheese.

?? As his mom, it's also important to teach him the *correct* reason why some foods are more nutritious than others.

You missed the part where I said he is only three!

GemstoneofHeart

Oh definitely yes. Not too young though, because I can see how introducing it too early might exacerbate unhealthy relationships with food.

My dad explained it all to me around age 11. Knowledge is power. I know a few adults that haven't a clue how calories work. Not surprisingly, they all struggle with obesity.

champagnemoni

Yes and no. It is good for kids to know what is in their food and make healthy life choices, but I don't expect them to actually do it. Why should a 10 yr old have to measure their food? Let them be kids and eat. All this will do is make them develop an eating disorder. Young girls have a hard enough time as it is with social media this will only make it worse.