Random topic, but It bothers me..
bgtorres
Posts: 186 Member
to see my parents eat fast food everyday. For this reason I became overweight as a young child & now they bring fast food to my 2yr old ugh!!! I keep telling them not to buy him fast food, but they just won't listen or they just don't get the point!!! They think I'm crazy for "dieting" him at such a young age...ummm..no all I'm doing for my little boy is creating a healthy lifestyle with fresh fruits, vegetables and lean meats. As his snacks I will give him graham crackers or animal crackers (nothing too sugary). I'm I wrong for this?? I just don't want him to grow up like I did (being made fun off all the time for being "fat"). 
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Replies
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Why can't you stop them from giving fast-food to your son?0
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I have told them to do so & they'll even sit down & eat with him it really bothers me..when they just drop it off ( I usually trash it or give it to the dog)Why can't you stop them from giving fast-food to your son? 0 -
At age 2 you are definitely right to be feeding him healthy food and limiting unhealthy food! That is the age when their taste preferences are being strongly developed. The eating habits he gets now will stick with him as he grows older.
Honestly, I wouldn't let them bring him fast food. Let them know that you are in charge of what he eats. And it's not "dieting" him. Most parents try to make healthy choices for their kids, you aren't unusual at all in that regard!!0 -
My kids were brought up thinking that McDs is pure evil......there's nothing wrong with instilling good nutritional habits from a young age. Your parents should respect your wishes plain and simple.
I wish more parents would do this with their kids, it bothers me to know that the current generation of kids are predicted to be the first with a shorter life expectancy than their parents.0 -
You are totally right. And also, I hope you never make him finish his plate when he is full. Being raised on healthy food and reasonable portion sizes is the best gift you can give him.0
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I don't have kids, so I probably don't have as much insight as other MFP members. I think your concerns are completely understandable. I played soccer as a young child and afterwards my parents would take me to McDonalds. No wonder I was a chunky kid. Eating habits and cravings start at childhood.
Perhaps you can sit your parents down and have a serious (non-judgmental) conversation with them. Tell them gently but firmly that they cannot bring your son fast food. No, he's not "dieting" - you're trying to give him the proper nutrition. If they can't follow your request, you might have to limit grandparent time to outside of meal times until they understand that you are serious.0 -
It is so true that as a parent I'm in charge, I have also caught my mother-in-law giving him soda..I always get pissed off & take that crap away from him ( and tell him you don't drink soda), if anything sweet I will give him juice diluted with water, but as a must I always try giving him water first than anything else. My best friends has 3 little boys ages 3, 4, 5 & they all are overweight by like 20 plus pounds, she always gets in trouble at the Dr.'s office. I don't want that to be me...EVER!!!0
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to see my parents eat fast food everyday. For this reason I became overweight as a young child & now they bring fast food to my 2yr old ugh!!! I keep telling them not to buy him fast food, but they just won't or they just don't get the point!!! They think I'm crazy for "dieting" him at such a young age...ummm..no all I'm doing for my little boy is creating a healthy lifestyle with fresh fruits, vegetables and lean meats. As his snacks I will give him graham crackers or animal crackers (nothing too sugary). I'm I wrong for this?? I just don't want him to grow up like I did (being made fun off all the time for being "fat").
I don't think you're wrong--BUT i think you should let him have it every once in awhile. I say this because people want what they can't have. If you restrict it completely, he'll eat more of it when he gets the chance. Counterintuitive. Let him have it every so often so he knows its ok--in moderation. Other than that, great job teaching healthy habits!0 -
I have told them to do so & they'll even sit down & eat with him it really bothers me..when they just drop it off ( I usually trash it or give it to the dog)Why can't you stop them from giving fast-food to your son?
I wouldn't even give it to the dog-trash is where it belongs!0 -
to see my parents eat fast food everyday. For this reason I became overweight as a young child & now they bring fast food to my 2yr old ugh!!! I keep telling them not to buy him fast food, but they just won't or they just don't get the point!!! They think I'm crazy for "dieting" him at such a young age...ummm..no all I'm doing for my little boy is creating a healthy lifestyle with fresh fruits, vegetables and lean meats. As his snacks I will give him graham crackers or animal crackers (nothing too sugary). I'm I wrong for this?? I just don't want him to grow up like I did (being made fun off all the time for being "fat").
I don't think you're wrong--BUT i think you should let him have it every once in awhile. I say this because people want what they can't have. If you restrict it completely, he'll eat more of it when he gets the chance. Counterintuitive. Let him have it every so often so he knows its ok--in moderation. Other than that, great job teaching healthy habits!
I agree with this, but I also think your parents should follow your wishes. We let our kids eat fast food occasionally, but it's mostly whole, healthy foods and they are not overweight at all. They are also very active in sports. You need to let them know that they are wasting their money and that you will most likely throw it away if they show up with it. Maybe that will stop them.0 -
Here is my thought. I am a grandparent. Mind you I don't eat much fast food as you could probably guess since I am on MFP.
Here is the tricky part, I have always fed my children well, protein, veggies, fruits etc etc etc. I now also feed my grandchildren well when they are over, they eat broccoli (they ask for broccoli!!), and all other veggies, fruits up the galore. I feed them good meals, not junk.
BUT every once in a while (just like myself) I let them have something "bad".
So when you have your children (mom and dad aren't around), feed them well. I am thinking mom and dad are not bringing them fast food EVERYDAY, right? I am thinking you feed your children well, teach them that healthy food is good tasting and good for you.
I hope people don't beat me up here, but we were all kids, I admit I like McDonalds French Fries. But I don't eat them everyday.
Don't we talk about moderation. I haven't had those fries in over six months, but you can bet your bottom dollar, I will have them some day in my future.
So, talk to mom and dad and tell them Moderation, Not everytime they come over.
I hope I don't rub anyone the wrong way with this post. :frown:0 -
I understand not wanting your children to eat fast food for every meal of the day. However I am not sure french fries are worse than a graham cracker.
Nutritional content of random brand of honey grahams from my cupboard:
Serving size 2 sheets or 8 crackers (31 G)
Calories 130
Total fat 3g
Saturated fat 1g
cholesterol 0
Sodium 190mg
Total Carbs 24
Fiber 1g
Sugar 8g
Protein 2g
McDonalds French Fries, small (71g)
Calories 224
Fat 11g
Saturated fat 1g
Cholesterol 0
Sodium 161g
Total carbs 28g
Fiber 3g
Sugar 0
Protein 3g
If you calculate the per gram calorie content of the graham cracker, 4.19 calories per g.
Per gram calorie content of french fries, 3.15 calories per g
More fiber and protein in the fries, Less sodium and no sugar.0 -
to see my parents eat fast food everyday. For this reason I became overweight as a young child & now they bring fast food to my 2yr old ugh!!! I keep telling them not to buy him fast food, but they just won't or they just don't get the point!!! They think I'm crazy for "dieting" him at such a young age...ummm..no all I'm doing for my little boy is creating a healthy lifestyle with fresh fruits, vegetables and lean meats. As his snacks I will give him graham crackers or animal crackers (nothing too sugary). I'm I wrong for this?? I just don't want him to grow up like I did (being made fun off all the time for being "fat").
I don't think you're wrong--BUT i think you should let him have it every once in awhile. I say this because people want what they can't have. If you restrict it completely, he'll eat more of it when he gets the chance. Counterintuitive. Let him have it every so often so he knows its ok--in moderation. Other than that, great job teaching healthy habits!
I agree with the post above... My mom allowed us NO junk food. We were never taught moderation. When we were around it, we didn't know how to stop. NO soda, NO chips, NO candy. She'd hide it, and if we found it and ate any, we were in BIG trouble.
I try to teach my son the best I can, giving him all the options. I feel that by not allowing some "unhealthy" snacks, it attributed (partly) to my obesity and to my sister's bulimia.0 -
As a mother of two boys I, like you, am trying to instill good eating habits in my children. I would try and comprimise with your parents, explain it is not about a 'slimming' diet, but a healthy way of eating. Lots of people react badly to the word 'diet'. But, suggest that they can treat him to 'junk food' once a fortnight if they would like to - special grandparent - grandchild time. they can't do that much damage once a fortnight, it will get them off your back and you avaid the 'I can't have it so I want it' mentality for your boy.
Good luck - families can be sooooo difficult0 -
to see my parents eat fast food everyday. For this reason I became overweight as a young child & now they bring fast food to my 2yr old ugh!!! I keep telling them not to buy him fast food, but they just won't or they just don't get the point!!! They think I'm crazy for "dieting" him at such a young age...ummm..no all I'm doing for my little boy is creating a healthy lifestyle with fresh fruits, vegetables and lean meats. As his snacks I will give him graham crackers or animal crackers (nothing too sugary). I'm I wrong for this?? I just don't want him to grow up like I did (being made fun off all the time for being "fat").
I don't think you're wrong--BUT i think you should let him have it every once in awhile. I say this because people want what they can't have. If you restrict it completely, he'll eat more of it when he gets the chance. Counterintuitive. Let him have it every so often so he knows its ok--in moderation. Other than that, great job teaching healthy habits!
I agree with this, but I also think your parents should follow your wishes. We let our kids eat fast food occasionally, but it's mostly whole, healthy foods and they are not overweight at all. They are also very active in sports. You need to let them know that they are wasting their money and that you will most likely throw it away if they show up with it. Maybe that will stop them.
I agree with this entirely. And also, let your parents know, that if they'd like to pick up food, to try places like Panera where they can get healthy quick food. Some people genuinely do not understand that soda and fast food are not good.0 -
I have similar issues with my mother. I am greatful she looks after my daughter while I am at work 2 days a week during the school breaks. However everything she cooks is fried. I have been using this site for over a month now and have made many changes for myself and my daughter as I dont want her to grow up being overweight as I have. The past few years I havent done so well and my daughter is overweight but we are getting there and we are both slowly making progress.
Keep telling them NO and maybe one day it will sink in. Totally agree with the soda too, it is banned from my home.0 -
Yes, you have good habits there!
Yes, you can definitely tell them to ABSOLUTELY respect you on this.
You can do this with a respectfully kind attitude, but hold your ground.
My children all know that fast food is not best. However, upon rare occasion, we eat it too. It's pretty rare.
We try to plan ahead and eat before going someplace, or take something and stop to eat it tailgate style, etc...0 -
I don't think you're wrong--BUT i think you should let him have it every once in awhile. I say this because people want what they can't have. If you restrict it completely, he'll eat more of it when he gets the chance. Counterintuitive. Let him have it every so often so he knows its ok--in moderation. Other than that, great job teaching healthy habits!
I disagree, I grew up on healthy food and until 11 I didn't eat any fast food. Every time I wanted to have some, my mom sat patiently and explained how it wasn't good for me. She cooked healthy alternatives like meatballs and rice, a beef sandwich etc. After 11, I never craved for fast food but occasionally had it like once a month. I doubt I was the most reasonable kid ever. At those ages most kids do not understand the concept of moderation as well as you think.0 -
The odd 'treat' of unhealthy food is not going to hurt him, just so long as you can get this through to your parents. Tell them that you will allow it on your terms, i.e. once a week/fortnight, whatever suits you and then they will be happy. Banning altogether may make your son think that it is 'naughty' and we all know that children very often want to do what is 'naughty'. Can you also tell them what they may bring, i.e. chocolate is not so bad in small pieces. When we are trying to lose weight it is always the food that we deny ourselves that we want to eat so don't deny it completely. Maybe this tactic will work rather than saying none at all.0
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You are most definitely not wrong for being concerned about your parents and for doing the best that you can for your child. I feel that you have a right to politely refuse fast food being brought to him by them but I understand that that could be really hard. Having it on the odd occasion won't harm him, I'm sure, but once he gets a regular taste for that high fat, tasteless, high sodium food it could affect his palate thus resulting in him not wanting to eat the healthy food that you offer. Stand firm on this issue but do it with love. Good luck xxx0
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when i was little, fast food was a treat, now i see kids who eating nothing but fast food.... when adults make bad choices for themselves, thats one thing, but when u start making them for your children, it's a whole different situation. just because they are little doesnt mean it still isnt bad for them... people just don't think0
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I have told them to do so & they'll even sit down & eat with him it really bothers me..when they just drop it off ( I usually trash it or give it to the dog)Why can't you stop them from giving fast-food to your son?
You are the parent of this child and are an adult. Even if they sit down to eat with your son, toss it out every time. They will get the hint. I don't mind my children eating this stuff occasionally when they are in their Grandparents care but personally I feel even several times a week is too much. My in-laws and husband are huge fast food people, my MIL actually thought a lunch consisting of pickles and fruit snacks was healthy. She was serious. Another time she was so proud of herself for giving my kids MIO because it was "healthy because it had no calories". I normally don't feed my kids fake sugars and fake food.
My children at one time would be in my in-laws care for a few hours each week and since they were helping us out with free care, I had to suck it up. They knew I didn't want my daughters eating so much fast food but at the time it was a small price to pay for peace of mind that they were being well cared for and plus I knew it wasn't a long term situation.
But if they were just stopping by to bring my girls fast food? Yes, I would throw it away if this was happening more than once per week. My children are not allowed in my parents care with out me present (my Mother will not protect a child against my Father) so they will buy the huge bags of candy that I will let my girls have a few then usually throw out the rest, maybe freeze a couple pieces.
My kids do get a treat everyday, I am all about living life but they are taught balance and moderation. And no, I don't care if either side gets upset with me.0 -
My mom does this and it drives me nuts. One time she let my 8 year old go to a super center and literally buy whatever she wanted.
You have to remember, those old people were living and raised in a time where if you went to a store and purchased a food product, it was food. They didn't have all the faux foods like we do now, so it's harder for them to discern the difference. Back in their day, if you bought something purple in a bottle, it was either juice or sugar, there wasn't 8.000 other mystery ingredients.
Also, mass production was a huge part of life in the 50's. It was the way of life. It was the American dream. It was marketed too and shoved down their throats.
So, unless they've had active healthy life's, continuing education, lots of life experience or are just critical and smart, a lot of them really just don't get it.0 -
It is so true that as a parent I'm in charge, I have also caught my mother-in-law giving him soda..I always get pissed off & take that crap away from him ( and tell him you don't drink soda), if anything sweet I will give him juice diluted with water, but as a must I always try giving him water first than anything else. My best friends has 3 little boys ages 3, 4, 5 & they all are overweight by like 20 plus pounds, she always gets in trouble at the Dr.'s office. I don't want that to be me...EVER!!!
Coming from the other side, my mother raised us to be ultra-healthy. She owned a health food/kitchen supply store for 10+ years growing up and never, ever allowed anything sweet - sodas, candy, sugared cereal etc. in the house. But, when the time came for me to make my own choices I gorged myself on the sweets! I remember skipping school once, going to Albertson's to by the Reese Peanut Butter cereal and I ate the entire, family-size box within 3-4 hours.
I totally understand and completely agree about teaching your son to eat healthy lifestyle, as well as your anger and frustration with your parents giving him fast food on a regular basis. But please, just be careful of the other extreme. A treat once in a while is okay. I personally let my 3 year old son have a Snickers bar in the morning, or 1/2 a donut when we have them in the house . . . but if he does, it's ONLY after he's eaten a healthy, full breakfast and he eats one of those "fun size" bars (the tiny little squares) or we split the donut. Granted this only happens few and far between but like I said, a treat once in a while is just fine and won't hurt anyone in the least bit.
I too was teased for being fat as a kid, and sunk away form any social interaction as much as possible, but it's because I wasn't taught portion control and/or self control. Okay, I'll get off my soap box; it's just something I'm passionate about.
Good luck to you!0 -
In fact, I was at my sister's and my nephew came in with a 0 calorie drink. His grandma was all like "He can have this because it doesn't have sugar." and my sister was like "It's highly carcinagenic." The boy said "What's that?" I said "It causes cancer" The boy said "What's cancer?" Grandma said "Just a sickness." And I said "A terminal illness, it kills you."
What's wrong with WATER?0 -
For what this 2 cents is worth it is very difficult when it involves the grandparents. I have three children, two are grown and overweight and the youngest is 13 and at a healthy weight. My mother provided day care for the older two and always demanded they be part of the clean plate club. She was an excellent cook, but it was down-home country-style cooking - fried foods and lots of gravy & bread.
The youngest went to a professional day care and at home I never insisted on a clean plate. She has always been allowed to eat just about anything she wants whenever she wants it because she has never had a weight issue. I have always allowed snacking, including candy, cookies, etc., but with her, she doesn't eat much of those items and usually chooses an apple over a candy bar. So maybe she's blessed with good personal preferences, but maybe it is because I never made food an issue for her and always let her stop when she wanted to.0 -
Kind of sounds like my dad. They don't see my kids much so I don't have that problem. Funny thing though, I don't even give my dogs people food and my dad hates that. He throws them stuff every chance he gets and wonders why they throw up all the time...hello?
Good for you for teaching such healthy habits at a young age. My daughter, at age 3, would ask for salads when we would go out instead of chicken nuggets or mac n cheese. It was her choice because that is what she knew.
I am finding it hard not that she is older. My kids are 9, 7 and 13 months. The two older ones are in school and the middle one will come home with random wrappers in her lunch. Things I don't give her. I am having a hard time telling her that that isn't okay. If I am not giving her enough food she needs to let me know. I tell her she can't just eat everything, she has to be careful. Oh, it is a struggle and I am having a hard time with that. Sorry...kind of got off the subject a bit.
Hang in there and stay strong! I agree, every now and then...but hopefully the grandparents will realize it is for health and nothing against them. I know my dad will do things just to spite me. I tell him not to do something and that is what he does. Good luck0 -
i will not allow my daughter to eat at those grease traps! i had my brother with me while he was in junior high...every meal was homemade and healthy and we exercised a fair amount.His grades went from D's & F's to A's and B's his teachers even commented on how much better his behavior was in school! So boom on parents who let their kids eat unhealthy...i dont care if its a grandparent!!0
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to see my parents eat fast food everyday. For this reason I became overweight as a young child & now they bring fast food to my 2yr old ugh!!! I keep telling them not to buy him fast food, but they just won't or they just don't get the point!!! They think I'm crazy for "dieting" him at such a young age...ummm..no all I'm doing for my little boy is creating a healthy lifestyle with fresh fruits, vegetables and lean meats. As his snacks I will give him graham crackers or animal crackers (nothing too sugary). I'm I wrong for this?? I just don't want him to grow up like I did (being made fun off all the time for being "fat").
I don't think you're wrong--BUT i think you should let him have it every once in awhile. I say this because people want what they can't have. If you restrict it completely, he'll eat more of it when he gets the chance. Counterintuitive. Let him have it every so often so he knows its ok--in moderation. Other than that, great job teaching healthy habits!
*this*0 -
I had to deal with a similar problem with my mother-in-law. After months of getting pissy with her when she would constantly (I'm talking like every other day) give my 3 year old a McD's happy meal, I finally changed my approach and asked her if we could talk. I then calmly, and very politely (also had my husband as backup since it was his mother) explained to her that I never wanted my son to feel the embarassment that BOTH of his parents felt as children. I told her that it was absolutely ok to occasionally let him have a happy meal (he's 3 for eff's sake, he burns it off in 30 minutes) or to let him have the occasional Sprite, but that it wasn't okay to give it to him all the time. I explained to her that I was concerned about my child's health and well being, that I wasn't just trying to butt heads with her over how to raise my child.
Once I took the time to calmly and very politely explain my reasons for not wanting him to eat that junk on a regular basis, she completely understood. She explained that she just wants him to have fun at her house and she just enjoys treating him. So, we both sat down and came up with other (non food) rewards for his good behavior at her house.
It really comes down to communication. Your parents have been parents for longer than you, so naturally they're going to think they know more about being parents. Unless you explain very specifically why the McD's isn't okay, they're not going to stop.
Also, I agree with the other posters. McD's is fine once and a while! I had happy meals every Saturday during the summer when I was in elementary school, and I was a very fit and healthy child (I gained all my weight in highschool, and that was my own damn fault, not my parents.).0
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