I'm late to the thread, but a couple of things stood out to me as I was reading through.
1) I cannot believe schools in MA and Ohio (where some people said they are from in their locations) don't have outdoor recess unless it is 40!!! I live in a northeren state and unless it is pouring rain, sleeting, or in the negatives temps (with or w/o windchill) the kids are outside 3 times/day. If it's 0 with no windchill they will be outside.
2)Also, only having gym once a week or less??? 3X/week at our school (in addition to the outdoor recesses.)
Our school DISTRICT has a 'walk to school day' every year. If the kids ride the bus then the parents can meet them at school and we all lap the playground until the bell rings for school to start. The kids are given pencils, stickers, and an apple.
Overall, our particular school is not obese, IMO. People seem to be pretty health conscious. We have bike paths all around, parks w/in walking distance to most homes and people are on them all the time. The poverty level is also low for our area so that is probably a big factor.
Now, I wouldn't say our lunches are that great (mozerella and french toast sticks are still served), but I think the sides choices are pretty good (always a fruit and veggie choice.)
As far as the BMI it wasn't on our school form for the Ped. this year. My kids would be on the low end. Our Dr. is not worried about either of them because she has charted their growth from the beginning and sees their growth pattern. She knows this is just how they are. She looks at DH and I and sees two people who are also thin. She asks us questions and knows we eat lean meats, fish, and lots of fruits and veggies. If the school was to tell me my kids are too thin I would tell them to call my Dr. and talk to her.
I used to get the 'eat like a bird' and 'you are too thin' comments growing up and even into adulthood. Those comments came from overweight people 100% of the time. I refuse to focus on weight with my kids. I don't even allow a scale in my house. Instead we talk about healthy eating and exercise to make us strong. I don't need the school talking about weight to my child because I doubt they have the same philosophy as me.
1) I cannot believe schools in MA and Ohio (where some people said they are from in their locations) don't have outdoor recess unless it is 40!!! I live in a northeren state and unless it is pouring rain, sleeting, or in the negatives temps (with or w/o windchill) the kids are outside 3 times/day. If it's 0 with no windchill they will be outside.
2)Also, only having gym once a week or less??? 3X/week at our school (in addition to the outdoor recesses.)
Our school DISTRICT has a 'walk to school day' every year. If the kids ride the bus then the parents can meet them at school and we all lap the playground until the bell rings for school to start. The kids are given pencils, stickers, and an apple.
Overall, our particular school is not obese, IMO. People seem to be pretty health conscious. We have bike paths all around, parks w/in walking distance to most homes and people are on them all the time. The poverty level is also low for our area so that is probably a big factor.
Now, I wouldn't say our lunches are that great (mozerella and french toast sticks are still served), but I think the sides choices are pretty good (always a fruit and veggie choice.)
As far as the BMI it wasn't on our school form for the Ped. this year. My kids would be on the low end. Our Dr. is not worried about either of them because she has charted their growth from the beginning and sees their growth pattern. She knows this is just how they are. She looks at DH and I and sees two people who are also thin. She asks us questions and knows we eat lean meats, fish, and lots of fruits and veggies. If the school was to tell me my kids are too thin I would tell them to call my Dr. and talk to her.
I used to get the 'eat like a bird' and 'you are too thin' comments growing up and even into adulthood. Those comments came from overweight people 100% of the time. I refuse to focus on weight with my kids. I don't even allow a scale in my house. Instead we talk about healthy eating and exercise to make us strong. I don't need the school talking about weight to my child because I doubt they have the same philosophy as me.
