Kids and 'Bad Foods': What's the Real Danger?

I was speaking with another mom recently about the lunch program at our kids' school -- actually, we were talking about how much our kids hate the lunch program since it was "overhauled" by a well-meaning school wellness committee.

Gone are the fries and other assorted foods that someone has labeled "bad." In their place are veggies, whole-grain entrees and other assorted items labeled "good."

Let me start by saying that I wholeheartedly applaud the decision to offer healthy lunchroom choices. But here's what I don't applaud: The committee's decision to eliminate food in classrooms. That means no more birthday cupcakes, no more food-as-part-of-special-celebrations and no more food as a teaching tool.

Oh, dear. Where do I start?

As a parent who is working hard to teach her children about balance and moderation within the overall scope of healthy eating, I'm disturbed by the idea of teaching kids that certain foods are "bad" and certain foods are "good." How will they ever learn to decide for themselves? And I think many of us are well aware of what can happen when you make a food off-limits -- it suddenly becomes that much more appealing, doesn't it?

Last year, my daughter's science teacher did a unit on the parts of a cell. One assignment was to make an "edible cell" to share with the class. Kids came up with all kinds of creative ways to show the parts of a cell, some yummy and some not so much. This year, that project doesn't align with the new food guidelines.

I understand that childhood obesity is a problem. There are lots of kids out there who need direction in learning to make healthy choices. But choice is the key word in that sentence. When you're denied the opportunity to make choices, you don't learn to make them. And, too often, when you get the opportunity to have what you've been denied, moderation goes out the window. After all, who knows when the opportunity will come again?

What do you think, readers? How do you teach your kids about nutrition and healthy eating?

Comments

[Melissa]

I don't have kids yet but like you I think it's sad that the schools are eliminating those foods in the classroom. The ONLY time I ever had cupcakes was at school; my mom didn't bake! And I think this attitude of good vs bad will create disordered eating issues among kids -- def. not what school administrators would want to be responsible for. I remember Juno's Journeys, the health/nutrition program we had where we learned about Red (stop) foods Yellow (think) foods and Green (go) foods. We were encouraged to choose mostly Green foods, some Yellow foods and Red foods on occasion. I loved learning that way. But I also had parents who were good role models at home and not every kid does, so sometimes I think schools feel they need to play parent when parents aren't making the grade re: feeding their kids well/teaching good nutrition.
I do see they are trying to do something positive--at least eliminating junk in the classroom walls ... but it might create a monster.

[mothership]

I think it's a good idea to keep the crap out of the classroom. In my experience it's almost ALWAYS someone's birthday/special occasion or something and the kids get crazy when they have sugar in school and find it hard to concentrate or work when they've done that.
We live in an affluent educated area where you'd think there was a lot of education re. food and nutrition but I am constantly shocked at how much junk food gets into these kids, as young as Kindergartners despite that.
They have AMPLE opportunity to get dosed up on crappy food outside of school, and it's the parents who should have the chance to administer the treats or teach them about their choices. I don't want my kids' sugar/junk allowance to be used up without my supervision or consent!

[Alyssa]

I think there's such a thing as going overboard. I also believe that keeping parents in the loop, while still allowing treats in the classroom, is a good idea. It helps kids learn that they are just that; treats. (It's also important to let parents know, in case a child has an allergy or cannot have the food that will be served.)
I also agree that feeding kids healthier food at school is a good idea. But, like you said, categorizing food as "good" or "bad" is a dangerous idea.
I learned how to be bulimic from other girls at school. Kids learn more at school than the 3 Rs.

[Shannon Fab Fattie]

This is an interesting topic. I do not think that our local school has gotten the memo of a "real" healthy lunch. What scares me even more is that if it is following a supposed healthy program we are all in big trouble.
My children come home and tell me the stories of the grease dripping out of the cheese sandwiches to the point they cannot eat them. The options that are considered more healthy usually come from a freezer or are disgusting and unedible.
Now I am more than aware of picky kids but mine are really not so bad.
A few weeks ago I asked my Sophmore son about his lunch and he said they have a salad bar. I commented on how great that is only to have him respond letting me know how it is practically inedible and not fresh at all.
Sorry about the rant but seriously how hard would it be to just fix those issues.
Now about the cupcakes etc. not being allowed... give me a break! The only valid reason I can see this being an issue is for allergies etc. that could cause a problem with some of the children.
Any-who great post and as you probably have figured out, one that gets me fired up!

[Dara Chadwick]

Thanks so much for all these great comments, everybody. I really appreciate hearing both sides of the issue.

Interesting, too, about what schools across the country are calling "healthy."

[Jennifer Haupt]

I've tried really hard to have good food in the house and offer my kids "good choices" throughout the years. Now that they're teens, they're actually making those good choices on their own.

[Acai Berry pure]

I enjoyed reading this post. Thanks for a wonderful job!... we need to watch what we eat