By katydane
on May 04, 2011  

While I agree parents should be firm with limiting junk food, I strongly disagree with companies like McDonalds who offer "nice" toys in there Happy meals, the pressure to get said toy is enormous, on parents from there children and on the kids from there friends. I would love to see the "toy with meal" thing go away, I think the allure of these fast food places would diminish greatly.

By agaphmou
on May 04, 2011  

I know fast food places play a major role ,but so do our roles in society.In the past mothers had the luxury to stay home ,cook home cooked healthier food,and now most women are working and don't have the time to think about nutrition.We opt for fast food because it's quicker and easier.Unfortunately.

By Peace1976
on May 04, 2011  

I also know that Fast Food and Parenting plays a role in obesity. But I also believe it has alot to do with the hormones that are being given to the animals and then in turn our children are eating this food and it is causing them to grow a whole lot quicker than we did at their age.

By shannonmk
on May 04, 2011  

I think that it really is a combination of factors. Parents are partly to blame, as are companies. I think most people want to make the right choices but we as a country as so busy that we are comprimising on quality for convienance. The number of choices available that are healthy, fast and affordable are very limited. Walk into any rocery store cereal aisle and you will see the consumate example, large boxes of sugar encrusted cereal perpetually 2 for $4, smal box of healthy cereal $5, cereal healthy and flavorful your choices are limited.

By woobie101
on May 04, 2011  

Children learn by example. If you are an obese parent, chances are that you will have obese children. Smart food choices should start at an early age. Limit junk food and teach your children to choose healthy snacks, like fruit and vegetables. Have bite sized carrots, celery, cranberries, blueberries and other child sized foods readily available for them. They'll soon be asking for them instead of unhealthy foods. It's never too late to start either. Remember to keep the junk food out of the house. If its not in front of them they'll get used to it not being around.

By HISchild
on May 04, 2011  

I firmly believe that as parents we are the sole responsible parties in teaching the initial steps to healthy eating. Scriptures clearly tell us in Deuteronomy 6 what our responsability is as parents. We are to train up a child in the way they should go. I firmly believe this to be true. We need to stop blaming society or companies for the choices we make. Society and companies will always try to lure our children to buy their product. It is up to us as parents to stand up and begin making it a priority to ensure our children are eating right regardless of other factors such as work, being busy, or a toy being offered to eat unhealthy food. I too am a busy mom who sees the convenience of fast food but its not worth me jepordizing the health of my child. Don't give in to your children and society. Our children will always have touch choices to make all their lives, let's start early by teaching them how to make wise choices that will lead to succesful futures.

By GrandmaX11
on May 04, 2011  

I think it is all of the above, even when parents teach their kids to eat healthy they get bombarded by commercials and hype on TV. Then they start school and learn from other kids too. It also costs a whole lot more to eat healthy and some people can't afford to provide a lot of the healthy type food.

By Yummyface
on May 04, 2011  

I have heard that the government is wanting to start taxing us on food that is not considered healthy. I am definitely against this! It is our responsibility as an individual to maintain our own nutritional health and the health of our children. Although I think it is good when we are provided with more healthy alternatives, we should be able to choose snacks and foods for ourselves regardless of their nutritional value. I do not want the government in a parental role over me, taxing me into making better food choices. That in fact, is not a choice. That is why I voted that it is the responsibility of the parent.

By KaylaSoCal
on May 04, 2011  

I do believe that it is a combination of al the things listed as well. As parents, we do have the responsibility to teach our children to make good choices. However, our society has made it more convenient, and in a lot of cases, more affordable to eat unhealthy. It is very true that you can buy the sugary cereal for way cheaper than the healthier kinds. And now, more than ever, people are choosing whatever they can afford in these hard economic times. It truly is sad that you can go to a fast food chain and buy a cheeseburger for cheaper than you can a crown of broccoli. It is very difficult for families that are struggling to make healthy changes when in most cases it is more expensive for the healthy options. This year food prices are rising again due to fuel costs and crazy weather that has hurt crops. Until there is a way to make the processed foods the expensive foods and the healthy foods inexpensive, I think it will be very difficult to end childhood obesity.

By janasvoice
on May 04, 2011  

I think it's a combination of fatty easy foods, no physical education classes/recesses at school and the parents letting kids sit in front of tv and game consoles.