letting go...finally

I struggle with similar feelings too. It's amazing how so many people have no idea what they are doing to themselves and to their children by the lifestyles they lead. Sometimes I feel like such a food snob because I'll try to make healthy suggetions and they'll just turn up their noses at what I have to say.

For example: I drove someone through the drive-thru at McDonalds one day because she needed lunch on her lunch break. She wanted Mickey-Ds so thats where I took her. She told me, as we waited in line, that she was on a "diet" so instead of getting whatever it was she normally gets, she was going to get 2..TWO!.. quarter pounders with cheese, and take the patty and veggies off of one, throw away the bread, and put everyone onto one big sandwich. oh and a yogurt parfait and a diet coke instead of regular coke. She also told me she has started getting the chicken strips because the breast meat is healthier than the nuggets, and she never gets fries anymore. DOH!!!!! I didn't even know where to start with her because what she said was so crazy and ridiculous that it was almost funny. I just kept my mouth shut and let her think whatever she wanted because she would have just argued her point until I got angry and gave up.

You're so right though, you can't fix what doesn't want to be fixed. Hopefully one day they will have a wake-up call and will get on the right track. Best of luck!!

I struggle with similar feelings too. It's amazing how so many people have no idea what they are doing to themselves and to their children by the lifestyles they lead. Sometimes I feel like such a food snob because I'll try to make healthy suggetions and they'll just turn up their noses at what I have to say.

For example: I drove someone through the drive-thru at McDonalds one day because she needed lunch on her lunch break. She wanted Mickey-Ds so thats where I took her. She told me, as we waited in line, that she was on a "diet" so instead of getting whatever it was she normally gets, she was going to get 2..TWO!.. quarter pounders with cheese, and take the patty and veggies off of one, throw away the bread, and put everyone onto one big sandwich. oh and a yogurt parfait and a diet coke instead of regular coke. She also told me she has started getting the chicken strips because the breast meat is healthier than the nuggets, and she never gets fries anymore. DOH!!!!! I didn't even know where to start with her because what she said was so crazy and ridiculous that it was almost funny. I just kept my mouth shut and let her think whatever she wanted because she would have just argued her point until I got angry and gave up.

You're so right though, you can't fix what doesn't want to be fixed. Hopefully one day they will have a wake-up call and will get on the right track. Best of luck!!

We have to start somewhere. Maybe these small changes can lead to something else. Most of us lose weight when we don't cut cold turkey, but over time.

I personally think it's a form of child abuse.

Me too!

You are so right, kids eat what they are provided. I try very carefully to teach my kids how to be healthy eaters and how to stay fit. I like that they see me work out and they know mommy goes on lots of walks (for now) and they know I run when I'm not pregnant. I think it's so important to lead by example!

I once got in an argument with my MIL about their eating habits; while me and my husband were on a cruise she gave them chopped veggies for a snack (yay!) and ranch to dip it in..ugh! They were 4 and 5 and had NEVER had ranch. Now of course, they ask for ranch all the time and get really upset at times if they get told no. Do I really believe they would have gone their whole lives never touching a bottle of ranch? No.. but did I feel like she "ruined" them with it a little bit? Yes! Kids are so impressionable, especially when it comes to eating! They want what tastes good! If you introduce them to such unhealthy things, especially for no reason at all (they never complained about plain veggies) then you're opening the door to more poor choices. She still thinks I'm crazy, but I think she's crazy too so it evens out :P She was never overweight until she was an adult so I don't think she understands where I'm coming from. I was a "fat kid" all my life and I refuse to let my children have to live through that too when I know at this point it's all in my control!

its so sad these kids arent being taught by a good example of how to eat and take care of their bodies. my son knows we have to do SOMETHING that counts as exercise every day whether it be soccer practice or walking the dogs. Also he knows every meal WILL be healthy and fast food is only once or twice a week. because this is what he has been raised on, he has no problem with this. he likes being active and loves veggies and fruits. i dont think its hard to keep them healthy, if you try.

Nothing pains me more than to see obese children. children are a product of their enviroment and if you as a parent make their meals, you are the one that is funnelling whether they eat healthy or not or go outside for excercise or not. I alos make sure that my children eat healthier than I do and make sure that they get some form of excercise.

Children did not ask to be brought in this world, but it is our job as parents to take careof them once they get her.

It is a hard thing for you to let go, but until they as parents realize the damage they are doing to themselves, they will not see the damage they are doing to their kids.

"Don't children eat what is provided to them? Hmm?? It is sinful, selfish and unacceptable. "

Isn't it also sinful to judge? Set a good example and maybe it will rub off on them.


I know a family who has three kids that are all obese. The little girl is 5 and she is in all sorts of activities with my son (gymnastics, swim lessons, "fit kids"- a class at the community center. I have no idea why she is obese, but I can appreciate that her parents are trying. I have no idea if she has some sort of medical problem and you never, ever know what goes on behind closed doors or in someone's body.

I share you're frustration. I work for WIC, and for those of you who are not familiar with the program its a suplimental nutrition program for pregnant women and children up to the age of 5. Some days its like I'm talking to a wall when it comes to children and healthy eating. Moms would rather take them to McDonalds or heat up a frozen dinner then cook or provide a healthy meal. Its sad when a child has gained so much weight they can't play and run around. All we can do it set a good example for the people in our lives. And in my case try and educate the parents on the health risks associated with their child's eating paterns. As a parent you have a responcibility to your child to provide healthy foods and teach them how to be healthy. I wish more parents took that responcibility a little more seriously.

Ok rant over thanks for giving me the opportunitty to get that off my chest.

First of all, I am so thankful for WIC. I don't have children personally but I know people who do and WIC is an absolute life saver.

Second of all, how do they afford McDonalds if they qualify for WIC???

"Don't children eat what is provided to them? Hmm?? It is sinful, selfish and unacceptable. "

Isn't it also sinful to judge? Set a good example and maybe it will rub off on them.


I know a family who has three kids that are all obese. The little girl is 5 and she is in all sorts of activities with my son (gymnastics, swim lessons, "fit kids"- a class at the community center. I have no idea why she is obese, but I can appreciate that her parents are trying. I have no idea if she has some sort of medical problem and you never, ever know what goes on behind closed doors or in someone's body.

I think we can all recognize that there are situations and circumstances that don't fit the mold. The poster, however, is talking about a situation she is DIRECTLY involved with. She knows the circumstances, and she is talking about the things within the parents control.

I share you're frustration. I work for WIC, and for those of you who are not familiar with the program its a suplimental nutrition program for pregnant women and children up to the age of 5. Some days its like I'm talking to a wall when it comes to children and healthy eating. Moms would rather take them to McDonalds or heat up a frozen dinner then cook or provide a healthy meal. Its sad when a child has gained so much weight they can't play and run around. All we can do it set a good example for the people in our lives. And in my case try and educate the parents on the health risks associated with their child's eating paterns. As a parent you have a responcibility to your child to provide healthy foods and teach them how to be healthy. I wish more parents took that responcibility a little more seriously.

Ok rant over thanks for giving me the opportunitty to get that off my chest.

what is also disturbing is how these women can afford all the fast food and ready to serve meals if they are qualifying for WIC. its much cheaper to cook your own meals, you would think if you needed gov assistance you would be more frugal.

I don't know about now, but when I was on WIC (despite my son's serious health concerns I refused the assistance after he was weaned from formula. His food allergies are severe and the cost of a can of the formula he had to have with prescription was like, 70$/can, which I couldn't possibly afford at the time!) it wasn't income based until a certain age, though I can't recall that age now.