Are you an "obsessive" parent?

[VSL]

I guess I would say we're very laid back mostly because he does like the good stuff. I don't sweat the sugar and fat and therefore he doesn't see the treat difference between full fat ice cream and a cup of strawberry lowfat yogurt. I have an eating disorder and I refuse to raise a child with food issues that he gets from his mom.

I'm with you on this.

The only major problem I see happening with me though is that I tend to be very aware of what I eat due to the fact that I love running - I've got to fuel properly. Other than that though, I'm really relaxed about what it eat, so hopefully it won't have a negative impact.

 

[Goobergal99]

NOPE, but I am obsessively clean.... My DD definently has her fill of junk to rot her teeth but hey that's what dental insurance is for

 

[Stacerita]

I am far from obsessive. My family thinks Im way to boho for them. The only thing I obsess about is not drinking from public drinking fountains.

 

[clh2]

I am obsessive about a couple of things:

First - no one under 18 can eat/drink in my family room. BTW the carpeting is 2.5 years old and still looks fabulous!

Before I get to my 2nd obsessive thing - I should add I work at a large hospital. There are many hand railings around. Many people (visitors) to this hospital are older, and often do not cover their mouths when they sneeze or cough. I have many co-workers who get the flu and other stuff every year.

So - my second obsessive thing is - never touch something like hand railings, stair railings at a large institution like a hospital. There are just TOO many germs there.

My third obsessive thing -(again germ-related) never eat from the buffets at a hospital. Again, see the comments related to sneezing/coughing above. While the buffets do have "the sneeze shield things", there are many people by the buffets that are not tall enough for the "sneeze shields" to be effective.

I don't make a big deal about what DD drinks. She must have milk with her meals, unless we are having Pizza. (Pizza is just gross with milk IMHO.) Or, if we are eating out. Most restaurants just don't have good milk. Other than that is she has a soda now and then, I just don't sweat it. It is always a matter of balance. What difference is it going to make if she has cake, pudding or soda. She can't have all 3, but I don't mind if she has one every now and then.

 

[Feralpeg]

Heavens, no. I'll probably get flamed for this, but I used to put Diet Coke in DD's bottle if we were out somewhere and her bottle was empty. We always have soda in the house. DD isn't particularly into sweets. I wish I could say that.

She has always watched what I watch on TV. I don't like horror movies, so there was never anything like that. I never tried to shelter her on adult tv unless it was particularly graphic. I found it was a good opportunity to have discussions. I'd rather she was with me and ask about things than wait until she was old enough to find them on her own and be embarrassed to ask.

She seems to have turned out pretty well. She just graduated from high school with honors and is a great person.

Each to their own.

 

[katerkat]

I guess I'm a little obsessive - but Russ *is* only 14 months. He only drinks milk and water with a splash of juice. I see no reason to give him anything else and start bad habits this early. My SIL asked if she could give him Diet Pepsi the other day and was pretty surprised that I said no.

 

[Christine]

I guess I'm a little obsessive - but Russ *is* only 14 months. He only drinks milk and water with a splash of juice. I see no reason to give him anything else and start bad habits this early. My SIL asked if she could give him Diet Pepsi the other day and was pretty surprised that I said no.

I remember when I had my first child. She didn't get any sweets until her first birthday when I let her have a piece of cake. I was just so against it.

At 14, she's the biggest junkfood-aholic, going. Somewhere along the line, I relaxed my standards.

 

[Nancy]

I guess I'm a little obsessive - but Russ *is* only 14 months. He only drinks milk and water with a splash of juice. I see no reason to give him anything else and start bad habits this early. My SIL asked if she could give him Diet Pepsi the other day and was pretty surprised that I said no.

Just be gald she asked first!

 

[Cindy B]

Remember obsessive behavior also goes past dietary concerns.

Obsessed could mean that some parents prohibit TV in all forms, only enroll precious in mind enriching academia programs at a young age. Obsessed could also mean no friends over without "interviews" from the other childs parents. Obsessed could mean no sleepovers, no playdates, no outside activities and some could consider no school.. because of the potential of many things.

Obsessed could mean obsessed with safety. Yes, I child locked the medicine cabinet and used a baby gate on the stairs and didn't allow true walkers with wheels in the house, but I have seen some very obsessed safety parents. These parents have all three children in one room with triple locks on the windows and a chest of drawers covering the window just in case a whacko could possibly come in the window. The children are also on a closed circuit TV feed in the only room with a baby monitor in EVERY OTHER ROOM.

I've seen germ obsessed parents as well. First shoes had to come off, hands washed (I beleive in hand washing), and when the baby was younger than a few months all visitors had to use gloves and mask in the room==don't even think of holding the baby. (This baby was non high risk or anything). This obsessive parents will not allow the baby outside due to germs, allergens, heck even bird flu!

 

[Wishing on a star]

I do agree with the artificial sweeteners! No way, no how. Other than that, I just believe in moderation. DS gets snacks and treats and junk food. But moderation is key.

No, I do not consider my self to be very obsessive. But, by today's standards, I think that many people would. Many parents let their child feed-bag on almost anything. Now, I could really care less what others let their kids have. But, I have to admit that was indeed upset once to hear of an aquaintance who was giving her child tons of artificially sweetened Crystal Light in his bottle! I guess even somebody who is supposedly intelligent can ignore all the true research that shows just how bad this can be.

We live in an age where junk food and soda machines are in elementary schools. The big soft-drink companies just signed an agreement to restrict selling sodas to these kids! (could be just a PR stunt???) However, at my kids elementary school, they serve up Slushies every single day at lunch!! the kids do not even have to bring money from home, (removing any parental input) They simply put these on your account. Now, I am no way saying that my child should never have slushies, but this is just plain wrong to be using 6 year olds as a marketing opportunity, at school, during their lunch period, in the lunch line, when they are supposed to be being served a meal that meets Federal Nutritional Guidelines.

 

[Goobergal99]

No, I do not consider my self to be very obsessive. But, by today's standards, I think that many people would. Many parents let their child feed-bag on almost anything. Now, I could really care less what others let their kids have. But, I have to admit that was indeed upset once to hear of an aquaintance who was giving her child tons of artificially sweetened Crystal Light in his bottle! I guess even somebody who is supposedly intelligent can ignore all the true research that shows just how bad this can be.
QUOTE]

Oh my god! I know what you mean about the crystal lite, my DMIL gave it to my DD when she was a baby and here I am trying to figure out why she had a horrible diaper rash after staying with her

 

[disney4us2002]

Obviously, I'm a bad mother. I don't even know what my kids drink most of the time. They must have water at dinner and we do manage to go through 3 gallons of milk per week but I'm certain they're drinking more than their share of soda since we probably buy at least 6 12-packs per week. They are 10, 13, and 16 so I just don't really monitor their choices much any more.

Why are diet drinks bad, btw? My dentist told the kids diet is preferred because "coke" rots the teeth.

 

[Cantw8]

Hi all! This is my first thread. I am a resort board regular and saw something there that inspired this.

There was a lady on the resort board that had a FIT because her neighbors kid's drank pop, crystal light and gatorade. She was quite passionate about it and thought her neighbors were bad parents.

My kids drink the occasional pop as well as tons of gatorade and powerade. Just wondering if everyone else is "obsessive" like this lady or more laid back like myself.

I hope this is the right forum to post on.

I have always let my kids have soda, not much..just every now and then. No worries, AngelO...I'm sure you are an excellent mother. Hugs, Sweetie

 

[aprilgail2]

Why are diet drinks bad, btw? My dentist told the kids diet is preferred because "coke" rots the teeth.

I will deal with the dental issues if that needs be...its the cancer and other things I would rather avoid by using chemicals etc in my kids drinks....its just the way I feel...doesn't bother me that others give it to their kids but I don't feel the need to do it.

The following are all artificial sweeteners; (sometimes foods are labelled ‘contains [a source of] Phenylalanine’ and some have brand names such as NutraSweet, Canderel, Equal, Splenda, and Benevia, as well as others).

• Acesulfame K; there has been doubt in the past about the safety of this additive, asit has been linked in animal tests to tumors, leukemia, and respiratory problems. It is currently accepted as safe. Due to its bitter after taste, is often used alongside Aspartame, which can be combined in such small amounts that it need not be identified on packaging.

• Saccharin E954; once carried the warning in the US "Use of this product may be hazardous to your health. This product contains saccharin which has been determined to cause cancer in laboratory animals". It was since shown that the animal experiments did not prove the same effect on the human body and the warning was removed. Saccharin is still linked to various problems in sensitive people such as eczema, asthma, rashes and loss of feeling in the extremities. The US government National Toxicology Program lists saccharine as an ‘anticipated carcinogen’ (cancer-causing chemical). The American Medical Association has recommended limiting the intake of saccharin in young children and pregnant women. I noticed that this was an ingredient in my children’s toothpaste.

• Sucralose; also known by the brand name Splenda, is made by treating sugar with chlorine. Animal tests have shown organ damage, growth problems, and a reduction in white blood cell count. These tests have been dismissed by the manufacturers as being inconclusive or insufficient. Hundreds of industry tests have shown the products safety. Ten of these were conducted on healthy human subjects, but no tests have been made on the effects of long-term consumption.

• Sorbitol, Manitol, Isomalt, Xylitol, Lactitol; sugar alcohols which may cause reactions in sensitive people, such as; flatulence, diarrhea, and organ damage if consumed in large amounts.

• Aspartame E951 (hold on to your hats); a widely used chemical cousin of MSG, also known as NutraSweet and Canderel. Once allegedly listed by the Pentagon as a biological warfare agent, and first tested on monkeys in 1967. Out of 7 fed aspartame, one died and 5 others suffered seizures. Later research at Washington University showed that one of the main constituents of Aspartame produced brain lesions in baby mice. In 1998 the University of Barcelona conducted experiments showing that Aspartame broke down in the body to form formaldehyde, (a neurotoxin), and further lab-tests at Arizona State university showed that when heated it broke down to form Methanol, another poison.

The most recent lab research at The University of Liverpool measured the toxic effect of Aspartame on nerve cells when it was combined with the widely used colour, Quinoline yellow (E104). Results showed that the combination of the additives had an effect 7 times greater than when tested independently. The additives prevented normal nerve cell growth and signaling. Hundreds of other experiments have been conducted over the years, and despite repeated health scares, research, commissions, reviews, reports and court hearings, Aspartame has found its way into thousands of products. There are over 90 documented symptoms associated with Aspartame including; headache, dizziness, balance problems, mood swings, sickness and diarrhea, seizures, vision disturbance and deterioration, rashes, tiredness, hypoglycemia (low blood sugars), depression, manic episodes, hyperactivity in children, brain tumors, memory loss, and death.

 

[WonderfulDreamer2]

Hi all! This is my first thread. I am a resort board regular and saw something there that inspired this.

There was a lady on the resort board that had a FIT because her neighbors kid's drank pop, crystal light and gatorade. She was quite passionate about it and thought her neighbors were bad parents.

My kids drink the occasional pop as well as tons of gatorade and powerade. Just wondering if everyone else is "obsessive" like this lady or more laid back like myself.

I hope this is the right forum to post on.

Awww, hugs sweetie. I wouldn't worry about it. You just have to raise your kids the way you see fit. Your motto should just be, "I know how you feel, I just don't care".

 

[Chilehead Too]

Obsessive, no. Conscious of what types of foods and drinks I keep in the house, yes


My kids are not allowed diet soda ever, an occasional regular soda, but probably less than 1x week. Juice I'm iffy about, certainly once in awhile but not always. We are a water family. I don't drink soda, and neither does my husband so it makes it easier.


As far as food, McDonalds and BK are also not on their diet. They have all had it at times (although never with me) and honestly they could care less. They would much prefer real food over that junk anyways. I try to cook healthy and buy snacks that are healthy as well. My husband thought I just about lost my mind the time I made homemade granola But the kids liked it. so there.

But what you do with your kids and feed your kids is really none of my business. I live by the "live and let live rule".

 

[macraven]

my kids never saw a mcdonalds until they were in 1st grade.
but i guess that is the one thing i did right in their early lives.


growing up if i had a chocolate cake in the house and they wanted it for breakfast, they got it. i figured it had eggs and milk in it so it couldn't be all that bad.

never allowed my boys to have diet soda. it was always regular coke they could have.

when they were in high school, they decided on their own to do healthy low fat eating and it has stuck.

 

[L107ANGEL]

Awww, hugs sweetie. I wouldn't worry about it. You just have to raise your kids the way you see fit. Your motto should just be, "I know how you feel, I just don't care".

Just trying to help!!! Here you go sweetie!

 

[Pigeon]

Well, I certainly don't care what my neighbors feed their kids.

Maybe I'm obsessive, but I prefer to think of it as mindful parenting. I don't buy soda unless we are having a party. I think gatoraide is simply repulsive, and I would never buy it. I let my kids order soda once in a while if we are at a restaurant, but my younger dd doesn't like it and prefers milk. I buy juice occasionally, but my kids don't like it that much. Mostly, their routine drinks are milk and water.

Soda is bad for people. It's full of empty calories and artificial crap. If you don't develop a taste for it, it's no big hardship not to have it. My dd who will order it once in a while doesn't complain about not having it at home. So, if that makes me obsessive, that's fine with me.

 

[DisneyPhD]

I belive the women who inspired this thread was talking about pooring it into the bottle and feeding todlers iced tea and coke. I think that is a lot different then letting kids have sips of it.

When my kids were babies I excuslivily breast feed them, and waited to feed them soilds.

I am a very relaxed more and never been obsessed until my youngested developed food allergies (milk and eggs.) I then had to be an obbesive lable reader and check everything that went into her mouth. It took me 2 to 3 times as long to grocery shop for a few weeks because I had to read every lable. I walk by pick it up, read it and put it back shaking my head.

I still can't get my kids to eat veggies, even the good ones. However last night we gave Little PhD a corn of cobb and told her she could put all the butter (dairy free) on it she wanted. She ate the whole thing. We have hope yet.

I let my kids drink sips of pop, diet pop, coffe (the baby loves a silk moca drink I have daily.) I don't let me have there own. They both drink chocolate milk or chocolate soy milk.

Also since the youngest can eat so little I let her have things like suckers and other candies early, it was all she could have. They both are so small I pretty much let them have as much fat and sugar as they want, as long as they eat healthy too. (and brush thier teeth.)

Fatten them up (or at least I try, let's see one is 21 months old and 19 lbs, the 5 year old is 30 pounds.)