Should Children's Books Discuss Childhood Obesity?
Amazon.com
The New York Times recently devoted the Books section to children's books, with one piece focusing on those that discuss childhood obesity.
In Bebe Moore Campbell's I Get So Hungry, the protagonist Nicky gets teased at school. "Nicky Thicky." Her mom says she comes from a lineage of big-boned women. Her curious relationship with food climaxes when her teacher, Mrs. Patterson, must be hospitalized for her obesity. The moral is that kids are influenced by eating patterns, especially emotional eating, and need guidance from adults as to what's "healthy."
About a third of kids in the country are overweight, and according to the article, about half of New York City's public elementary school kids are overweight. Though children should continue chasing ice cream trucks, drinking juice boxes, and picking out snacks for soccer practice, learning about moderation early can't be a bad thing.
Related
California Launches Federal Program So Kids Will Eat More Fruit and Veggies
'Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,' The Movie
Meatastic Children's Book Illustration
Add a comment:
Previewing your comment:
HTML Hints
Some HTML is OK: <a href="URL">link</a>, <strong>strong</strong>, <em>em</em>
Comment Guidelines
Post whatever you want, just keep it seriously about eats, seriously. We reserve the right to delete off-topic or inflammatory comments. Learn more at our Comment Policy page.
If you see something not so nice, please, report an inappropriate comment.
Hot Topics: Technique of the Week | The Food Lab
Today's Specials
Philadelphia: Roast Pork, Cutlets, Meatballs and More Sandwiches You Should Eat
For our final installment of the Philadelphia sandwich tour we present our roundup of the lesser known (but equally awesome) sandwiches that fall outside of the cheesesteak and hoagie realm. But first a little background info on these unique-to-Philly styles.
Continue reading »
Comments: