What are "we" doing to our children in America?

[TimeforMe]

I don't mean to be a Debbie Downer here, but we just returned from a fabulous trip to WDW. I was very saddened, however, to see how many obese families driving around in those ECVs. By no means am I a beanpole, but there's now way in heck I would ever be so lazy as to drive around in one of those things. And before anyone can flame me, I am aware that some of these people may have been legitimately handicapped. I do believe, however, by the sheer number of overweight people (kids, too) in these things that they are just too darn lazy to walk.

And what are we as parents doing to our children by allowing them to be so out of shape at such a young age? Sorry if anyone takes offense to this, but I was truly saddened to see this. Get off the couch, stop playing video games and watching tv, eating junk food and go outside and PLAY. I truly think this is becoming an epidemic.

 

[Charade]

 

[Uncle Remus]

oh yeah, this one's gonna be good!
Hi Charade

 

[Blondy876]

There's so many of these tonight I don't know which ones to watch first. I think I'll get myself a too.

 

[TimeforMe]

OK you guys. Enough popcorn passing. I do really think this is becoming a serious problem here in America. How on earth can parents defend this? Just curious.

 

[JadenLayne]

I agree there may be a few that are to lazy to walk but you have to remember there are many reasons a person could be in an ECV and just because they are overweight does not mean they are lazy.

I was much bigger myself until I found out I had a thyroid problem and I have never been lazy, fix the thyroid, fix the weight.

I do agree though that kids are allowed to stay inside and play video games to much. We were never inside as kids. We were always outside playing and romping and running. I am thankful my teenager loves sports and hates video games.

Oh and how to fix it, I have no idea, you can't tell parents how to raise their children. I guess we just have to deal with what we think is best for our own children.

 

[precious pixie]

I agree with the core of what you are saying, there is a factual problem in america concerning children and adults and obese levels. If there are children (and adults for that matter) that use things like motorized vehicles because they choose not to walk then I do agree that it is wrong and only worsens the problem I dont know if I feel comfortable enough to pass judgment on people that I just see because there are alot of valid medical reasons for needing assistance walking.

 

[TimeforMe]

I am aware of that. But at the same time, I have to say that a great number of those in them were overweight. Besides the ECV things, I just noticed in general that there are many more overweight children/families than I've ever noticed before. And there was definitely a trend of heavy parents = heavy kids. Not all, of course, but many times.

My kids watch tv and my son loves video games. He also loves baseball, soccer, basketball, etc. in REAL LIFE. I try to cook healthy, well-balanced meals and they both naturally are not big junk food junkies. I do think it's a parent's responsibility to promote a healthy lifestyle.

I find it to be very alarming and wonder what the statistics are regarding overweight kids in the USA v. other countries.

 

[disneymom3]

I agree with the concept that we are in effect "killing our kids" but I think your assumption that people are "lazy" is what is going to get you into trouble. I go to the Y several times a week. I am NOT in shape but am working on it. Last night I was in water aerobics and there were several little boys and girls in the pool. There were a few very heavy girls, but out of the probably 10 boys that were there, I only saw one that was of normal weight. That just makes me very sad because my weight has been a battle all of my life and I was not nearly as heavy as any of those kids when I was a child. It's very very sad and I hate to see what happens when all of these kids grow up.

 

[EEYOREMAMA]

And what are we as parents doing to our children by allowing them to be so out of shape at such a young age? Sorry if anyone takes offense to this, but I was truly saddened to see this. Get off the couch, stop playing video games and watching tv, eating junk food and go outside and PLAY. I truly think this is becoming an epidemic.

Well I'll help the cause here. Look no popcorn.
As a teacher, I competely agree with the shape American children are in. It's pathetic. My boys are both undeweight. They are tall thin and athletic. I can't keep down. They are both healthy and honor students. Around these parts, they are a minority.

We've become a nation of overweight, underachievers. It reflects in our abilities and our attitudes (popcorn anyone?). Just wanted you to know that you are not the only one who sees this.

 

[Caradana]

There could be a lot of reasons for the ECV, but I hear you totally on the obese kids. I'm not talking a kid who's 25 pounds over - I'm talking the kids who are 50+ pounds overweight. It's scary. That's a hard life for kids.

 

[Toby'sFriend]

Personally, I don't think it is just a few.


There is considerable research which shows that the majority of kids that are markedly obese are that way because of lack of exercise and poor eating habits -- not medical conditions.

 

[meloneyb21]

Wouldn't these people have to be at least diagnosed with something in order to get one? Unless they're just out buying them, then that's a problem.

 

[va32h]

ECVs in DisneyWorld might be a different subject than childhood obesity - I don't know the medical circumstance of every person who rents an ECV.

But I do have kids in public school, and I do see childhood obesity as being a very serious problem. Our district has mandated daily PE now, because so few children get any exercise outside of school. I've seen children bring enormous lunches to school - huge portions of hig fat foods. Or worse, the parents themselves bringing fast food lunches to school two or three times a week.

I have always struggled with my weight (still do), but very fortunately my kids do not. Part of this is genetics, they have always been small, but part of it is our concerted effort to eat healthier and keep them active.

We've never had a video game system, and the kids don't use the computer - not because I have forbidden these things, but because they never asked and it never occurred to me to offer.

I don't think it's a coincidence that we don't have/use those things and my kids are also active and of average size.

 

[TimeforMe]

but I think your assumption that people are "lazy" is what is going to get you into trouble.

Hmmm, didn't think that I was getting into trouble......

If people are riding those things rather than walking and don't have a legitimate disability, I'd classify that as just plain lazy. Yeah, it takes effort to walk, especially in the heat of August, but it can be done.

 

[precious pixie]

I have to add that I have always found it funny when the parents blame the fast food places and sugary foods at the grocery store; isn't it the parent who dictates where and what a family eats. A 5 yr old doesnt drive themseves to Mcdonalds, or spend a paycheck on oreos

 

[need_a_Disney_fix]

Okay, I will take a chance and respond. DH and I have sat many times on Main Street at magic Kingdom waiting for Spectromagic to start. We have had this conversation many, many times and its a real head-scratcher. Why are those obese kids in the strollers and why are those fat hineys in the ECVs? WHY! Get out of those and start walking!!!!!! It will do you good!

 

[TimeforMe]

ECVs in DisneyWorld might be a different subject than childhood obesity - I don't know the medical circumstance of every person who rents an ECV.

But I do have kids in public school, and I do see childhood obesity as being a very serious problem. Our district has mandated daily PE now, because so few children get any exercise outside of school. I've seen children bring enormous lunches to school - huge portions of hig fat foods. Or worse, the parents themselves bringing fast food lunches to school two or three times a week.

I have always struggled with my weight (still do), but very fortunately my kids do not. Part of this is genetics, they have always been small, but part of it is our concerted effort to eat healthier and keep them active.

We've never had a video game system, and the kids don't use the computer - not because I have forbidden these things, but because they never asked and it never occurred to me to offer.

I don't think it's a coincidence that we don't have/use those things and my kids are also active and of average size.

ITA with everything you've said. Isn't it sad that PE has to be mandated because that's the only form of exercise some of these kids get? I also agree about the junk food. The biggest pet peeve of mine when my kids were younger is that their elementary schools were teaching them to eat healthy, but when they got to middle school, there were soda machines, chips, ice cream, etc. What child is going to grab a piece of fresh fruit when they can have chips? I, too, work in a school (elementary) and see what a lot of kids bring for lunch. I am always amazed that people send soda in with their kids' lunches, cookies instead of fruit, etc.

I do see some changes on the horizon, however. Our school system will no longer have soda vending machines and just yesterday we got a letter that no food will be allowed to be used as rewards, etc. (a little too drastic IMO).

 

[Blondy876]

It reflects in our abilities and our attitudes (popcorn anyone?).

Oh, please. Yup, my popcorn comment has caused the obesity epidemic.

I made the popcorn comment not based on a disagreement with the fact that Americans are more overweight than ever, I agree with that. It was made based on the OP's assumption that the folks using the ECV's were lazy. That was what I believe will cause a need for

 

[EEYOREMAMA]

I made the popcorn comment not based on a disagreement with the fact that Americans are more overweight than ever, I agree with that. It was made based on the OP's assumption that the folks using the ECV's were lazy. That was what I believe will cause a need for

As long as your popcorn was low-fat or no-fat butter, it's all good. You have not single-handedly caused American children to gain weight.

I now understand your comment (or smiley). It just seemed a little harsh for a first posting. Thanks for clarifying what it meant.