Does Mom’s job contribute to childhood obesity?
I just read an interesting perspective at iVillage – wondering whether there is a correlation. And I have to say that I am curious.
Recently I have really stepped up working on my own internet business. I am kind of at the take it or leave it stage of my at home career. Meaning that the scales have to turn soon on the cost (my time) – benefit (my income) ratio to make my work worth it.
Obviously, the only way to make this happen is to work harder and smarter.
Unfortunately – my timing coincides perfectly with summer vacation.
So for a few hours every morning I let the kids enjoy their freedom while I slave at the computer.
And guess what their chosen pastime is – tv, video games, and snacks. Quite a formula for packing on the pounds.
I truly limit my work time and when the natives get restless – I have to call it a day. Usually I fix up a good lunch that will last them awhile.
But what about parents that don’t have this luxury. In a daycare situation – you can’t always be there to monitor what your children eat. You can leave directions – and, of course, the best action is to pack food from home.
The problem arises when the caregivers opinions on what is “healthy” food differs from your own.
How do you make sure that your children eat healthy food when they are not with you? Is this a concern or do you just let it go?
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
This post reminds me of second-thoughts I’ve had in my own life as a mom. The day I came home from work and the baby was covered from head to toe in Cheetos dust and the babysitter was talking on the phone in another part of the house was one such instance…
I pack my son’s food and the daycare where my daughter goes is required to have nutritional stuff because they’re reimbursed. The few times I’ve showed up during meal times the food was pretty good – fruits and vegis, milk for lunch and a protein. Sometimes it’s something like chicken nuggets, but kids need a more fat than we do. Luckily I only send her twice a week and I’m in charge of her other food. I do not buy junk food so there is very little she could get into. I totally see how this can be a problem once she get’s older though and can get herself food. Thanks for the window on the future. I’ll keep a close eye on what goes into the pantry because there are days I have lots of work to do and not a lot of time to keep an eye on them.
Heligirl recently posted..10 things How about three
Melissa ~
Yikes! You (meaning all of us) try to keep an open mind . . . but trying to justify a situation like that is difficult. Did the babysitter have a good explanation or is she now long gone?
Heligirl ~
It sounds like you have a great daycare. But it does get harder as they get older. My DH always says that if I don’t buy it they won’t eat it – but then I will have to deal with whining and complaining all week long. I keep trying to find a good balance.
Scary photo for this post – looks like our house.
I’ve been working from home since the kids were little so I’ve been around the entire time. Too bad for the kids because, as a dad, I like to eat. It probably would have been better if mom was working from home instead. Not that we eat a lot of junk but dads probably eat MORE than moms and it doesn’t set a good example. Regardless, good food for thought.
Jeff W recently posted..Least Restrictive Environment
Jeff ~
I think working from home – period – is bad for nutrition. It is hard enough to balance work and kids let alone food requirements. My kids eat healthier when I ignore the computer.