The Detroit News
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Alyssa Martina: Parent Coach
Food wars are not uncommon between parents and their children, from getting kids to try new foods to coaxing them into eating healthier. In fact, a recent article in the New York Times reflects how common this issue is. In fact, the article was ranked as one of NYTimes.com's most e-mailed stories of the day. The article explores six common mistakes parents make when it comes to kids and food. One of the surprising discoveries in the article is how parents, despite their best intentions, contribute to a child's bad eating habits.
As we all know, there is a phantom looming in our kitchens that offers greater risks for our families than picky or obstinate eaters. Childhood obesity is at an all-time high. Let's look at some facts: Nearly a third of all children and adolescents in this country are either overweight or obese. That's one in every three kids! In fact, childhood obesity is now considered the No. 1 concern parents have today. Due to poor diets and a lack of exercise, children are at risk of developing other serious illnesses, such as diabetes and pediatric hypertension.
Obesity is an epidemic in our country, and parents, pediatricians, educators and childcare advocates are rallying to garner more attention and resources to address this concern. In fact, on a local level, childhood obesity will be the focus of a full-day conference hosted by Oakland County called "Fighting Childhood Obesity through Education and Empowerment" at Oakland Schools Intermediate School District in Waterford on Sept. 27.