Does anyone else just find this WRONG?

Come on now. Is there no such thing as parental responsibility these days?

Yes, it is wrong, totally...and I consider it a form of child abuse. It also angers me that many times the mothers blame the children for eating too much. My question has always been, "who brings the groceries into the house, and where do they learn to overeat?" Aside from physical problems which could cause such a weight gain, the parents are mostly at fault when a healthy child becomes obese. Unless the entire family is willing to change their lifestyle, the children's lives are basically ruined. The severely obese child is tormented at school, can't or won't participate in physical activity, and gains more weight throughout the years. As teens, they are miserable, and continue the family eating habits until they become an adult. What chance do they have?

Agreed

A bit of overweight is perfectly acceptable in my eyes, in fact, at certain stages in life even more healthful than being underweight. Obesity on the other hand, unless for some genetically uncontrollable element, is entirely the fault of those who eat badly and indeed when they pass those habits on to their children they are quite literally abusing those children.

One of the problems of being allowed to be an obese child is that it cheats you of the opportunity of being able to eat yourself into obesity as an adult when your tastes are more refined.

Aside from questions of obesity... hasn't she outgrown the pushchair anyway? It's amazing how often you see children hanging onto something that they need to let go.

Aside from questions of obesity... hasn't she outgrown the pushchair anyway? It's amazing how often you see children hanging onto something that they need to let go.

My guess is, they might be at a theme park and in that case, that litle girl in not able to walk far.. Swollen legs, red, rough looking skin...she is on her way to illness as it is.

It's very sad. This has to be in the U.S.
Dave, did you actually take this photo? Where was it? Look at the other people in the photo. No one looks to be in tip top shape.

No, I did not take the photo. It was passed along to me by someone else who thinks there is a serious lack of good parenting these days.

That "someone else" is dead on. This subject has touched my heart... we worked really hard to raise three children, instill good work ethic, teach them how to stay healthy, respect their fellow humans, and be kind to all, especially children and animals. It took up 20 years of my life, and I loved every minute. So, when I see so many lax parents today (and please don't give me the "I'm so busy" crap) because I was busy too, it curls my straight hair.

And if I recall correctly from your posts, Karen, you and your husband always made sure you took your kids and their friends on vacations where they were physically active. Not just sitting around watching TV, but actually doing physical activities like water skiing. That is an example of good parenting.

From the look of what I assume to be the mother standing behind her, I'd suggest that, as Hank Williams Jr. sings, she's just carryin' on an old family tradition.

From the look of what I assume to be the mother standing behind her, I'd suggest that, as Hank Williams Jr. sings, she's just carryin' on an old family tradition.

I must admit that the Mother has arms most NFL linemen would be jealous of these days.

One of my big gripes is that the same mothers who have to watch their children's every move for fear of something "bad" happening let the children ride in the grocery carts despite the clearly labeled warnings. Of course they feel that is okay since they can't control the" little dears" otherwise in the store. Of course this lack of control is due to poor parenting. Maybe I am just old and cranky.

Looks like the photo was taken in West Virginia.

I have different eyes to everyone else, I know, but I'm offended that a stranger took a photo of someone's child, passed judgment, and then sent it around to people over the net. Over here it's actually illegal to take photos of a child without the parent's permission. If the person who took the photo had the mum's ok, then I apologise in advance for my comment, but I still doubt the mother would have given permission had she known what the photo was going to be used for.

Yes, obesity is an issue. Yes, there is a fat child in a stroller eating an icecream. And yes, the mother could have made a better food choice. But you know what? I've really made some stupid parenting decisions too, so I'm not game to say too much.

But you know what? I've really made some stupid parenting decisions too, so I'm not game to say too much.

You mean like all those times you forced the boys to eat Vegemite? That was really wrong.

Just kidding, *C*.

Yep. I'm waiting for someone to call me out over that one.

Celia
Fair points made about permission for use of the image - I suspect we have similar here, as there have been very sad instances of all parents being banned from taking photos / videos of their children in school plays, due to one or more families failing to sign the waiver form to allow them. For me this legislation has all gone a bit too far, but laws are laws, even if they're ill-advised.

regards

Ian

I have different eyes to everyone else, I know, but I'm offended that a stranger took a photo of someone's child, passed judgment, and then sent it around to people over the net.

Thank you, Celia. That's almost exactly what I was about to say.

I have different eyes to everyone else, I know, but I'm offended that a stranger took a photo of someone's child, passed judgment, and then sent it around to people over the net.

Thank you, Celia. That's almost exactly what I was about to say.

I gotta say, that's what I found most offensive first.

rwj

Celia, you are right to be offended. Yes, there are laws protecting one from being photographed without permission. When I was working with my certified pet therapy dog in hospitals, public events, and critical care facilities here in Redding, we were warned going through the classes NOT to take photos or allow anyone else to take photos without the consent of the residents or patients.
But it happened.

Public pictures are taken all the time of people.....one example is the paparazzi. Newspaper reporters take pictures everyday of situations involving crowds of people. A good example is the add that shows many overweight people walking in a city. They show rears, busts, and fat thighs, and I doubt they have contacted any of those folks for permission, and so on. I have taken pictures of our travels all over, with strangers in the backround, and sent them along to friends and family. It just happens. I think the point of this photo with the little girl was out of concern for what is happening in our society and to a huge percent of our children. It is tragic, and I don't think it was anymore than wanting to share that concern.
If you are bothered that much by it, perhaps Robin could delete the post.

Karen, I don't want to be a hypocrite about this - I know I've walked past a similar situation and thought "Why on earth is that parent giving their child an icecream?".

It's just something about the photo, which appears to have been taken sneakily by someone on their phone, and then onsent to people, which troubles me. When you send photos you've taken on to family and friends, they don't crop strangers out of them for specific attention. But by the same token, I certainly don't want to downplay the obesity problem - it's a huge issue everywhere, and I know that's the point of the original post. I heard somewhere that even the most impoverished nations now have a 10% obesity rate..

I am puzzled... if I go to a public place, what right do I have to control who sees me there?