While children in care may not be the ultimate solution, it certainly surpasses placement in an institution, which would only make a child feel punished.
It is already established that the prevalence of obesity among adults has tripled since 1980, and it’s known that obesity contributes to 13,000 types of cancer annually. The consequences also include heart disease, stroke, diabetes, joint issues, disabilities, early death, and more.
Additionally, we cannot overlook the enormous financial burden that all these ailments impose on our country. In just three or four years, we can expect over a million cases of diagnosed obesity among children.
A call to all parents out there: opt for smaller portions, reduce sugary snacks, and reconsider frequenting fast food establishments. You may believe that your actions demonstrate love for your child, BUT WHAT YOU’RE REALLY DOING IS HARMING THEM.
Above all, we understand that obesity originates in childhood and begins at home.
Clearly, home is where the solution must commence. Yet, if strategies such as diet plans, nutritional guidance, threats, persuasion, a combination of incentives and penalties, and even shame yield no results…what is the responsible course of action for society then?
Should we fund the notorious Teen Fat Camps? They offer little benefit…other than feeding into painfully intrusive reality television…especially if the child is returned to the very environment that contributed to their weight issue.
Is the alternative state-funded surgery? Seriously? Would we truly support the notion of thousands of ten-year-olds undergoing life-altering stomach stapling procedures? I don’t think so.
What appeals to me about the proposed ‘children in care’ initiative is its focus on addressing the root cause rather than merely treating the symptom.
Child care may not represent an ideal solution, yet it is a better alternative than institutionalization, which would only perpetuate feelings of punishment for a child.
The aim is to ensure stays are as brief and temporary as possible.
The aim for these children is not solely to limit food intake and increase physical activity, but also to fundamentally alter their relationship with food and their bodies.
In parallel, parents will receive guidance to help them adjust as well. This involves re-evaluating how they allocate their time and effort, gaining insights—or being reminded—about basic nutrition, and confronting what a functional ‘portion’ actually represents in the real world.
Many of these parents might end up losing weight themselves, as statistics show a correlation where nearly all overweight children have at least one overweight parent, often two.
The idea of having one’s child taken away is undoubtedly extreme and likely not anyone’s idea of a pleasant situation, regardless of caloric content.
However, if it genuinely produced positive results, we could all celebrate the benefits of having slimmer, healthier, happier children returning gratefully to a mother who could sincerely claim to know what’s best.
by Susan Floyd