I have noticied in grocery stores that SOME parents or caretakers rather give into a childs bad behavior  with the offering of junk foods. I also noticied this in some homes as well. As nurses do we say something or just say nothing?

Yup, that sux.  Is it just me or does everybody else notice that the news is always broadcasting that America is 'the fattest country in the world".  Then they do the pictures of heavy folk with their heads cut off ................. its normally a butt shot, thigh shot, gut shot............these shots of people walking around who are heavy are both men and women..........could be more women than men, I guess.  I dont count.  The shot they had that were primarily women is the upper body shots, both both breasts and upper arms  <that thing where we wave...........then we stop waving at somebody, but our arm is still waving.   Men can get breasts too. 

That thing about people awarding children with treats if they 'just shut up'.  My kids weren't that cheap............they hit me up for video games, ................. that's so much healthier than fritos, lol.  Luckily, I figured out that it was much better for my kids health if I whooped their ass <in private of course> for acting like heathens in the store instead of always giving in. My kids did survive childhood with me as their mom  <personally, I wore a bikini in the mid 80's............not since then though, I sure have no room to judge anybody else.  These last few years, I did hear that Georgia schools removed the vending machines for sodas, candy, and chips.......................WHAT WERE THEY DOING THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE?   Maybe the superintendent had a Lay's Potato chip company and got a 'pork deal'.  When I was a kid back when dinosaurs ruled the world, the only vending machine was for pencils, paper, pens..................Hahaha. 

Back to joni's original post about rewarding kids with bad behavior with junk food.  Its kind of scary, but Fast food is  cheaper than healthuy food.  ...........We have to do what we can to survive our current economy situation.  THIS the year <been planning it since last summer when I spent more on a couple of tomatoes than I did on the steaks for dinner, I am going to plant a 'real garden'.  I do great with flowers, so I might as well see if I can do this.  I think its so much easier to eat fast food or eat out............I work like a dog with my job <long hours, physical work on the job, and my husband works full time too.  We have been teaching our kids to eat like this for many years, it will be a long road to mend those mistakes that alot of Americans made.  No harm intended..........but those parents are probably exhausted and dont have the energy to cook health meals. 

Another thing is that despite being a single parent, at least 3-4 times a week we ate supper at the kitchen table.  It's civilized..........lets us keep up with each other's schedules for the next few days.  Even though I wasnt a die hard with that habit, the kids were assured there was quality time in our little family................we even watched tv while eating.  My mom raises hell when we do that...........but at least we do have a section in our lives for this little ritual. 

I think the most obese people in the US are in Alabama, Geogia, Mississippi, Tenessee, Kentucky..................they said the thinnest, more fit, were in New York, LA.................go figured! 

Joni, I agree with you on your neighbors, its sad and you know those kids are probably picked on at school.  Are you friends with that mother?   Maybe do an act of kindness, take over a small basket with some healthy snacks.  If your not friends before that, you might gain one.  There must be a way to tell somebody that you had noticed her child having difficulty breathing when he/she were playing outside. If her response seems positive, like she is not offended........you might have broken a barrier then, and maybe offer some information and advice on healthy lifestyles.  I would advise not being judgemental.........and let her vent a bit.  If she has weight problems, maybe see if she and her kids would like to maybe go on neighborhood walks in the evenings a couple times a week.   I do agree with dmazment about confronting a stranger about what they are getting their kids.  Man, this day and time, I'd be scared to do that.  People might even do the following you somewhere and do bodily harm. 

I absolutely agree with cuttie. Given in moderation, is the key in my opinion. When parents are consistent and reward for good behavior but bad behavior is not tolerated (priviledges taken away, for example) then the children respond. I hv friends that induldge their children and hv more junk food than 'real' food in the house. My son thinks going and getting a hamburger once in a while as a treat >>is just that. Unfortunately for that friend's kids, they're getting overweight and they are only 10 and 11 yrs old!

To Joni:

It's hard to not say anything but I also agree with angienwgeorgia in that it's hard sometimes to bite ur tongue, but trying to befriend the mom with positive reinforcement may help. Just be wary and be culturally sensitive (some view food in general as a reward thru hospitality) once you feel comfortable enuf with that mom. Walks in the eves. or if they hv a dog, taking it for a walk is a social friendly outreach that's not offensive. I know u are concerned for the kids and unfortunately they may be setting up for lifelong habits, but you're not their mom and you should respect boundaries. Once the kids grow up and they are adults, they can decide to change their eating habits if it doesn't happen sooner. In the interum, the only thing you can do is try to be a positive influence and/or role model.

Some kids don't hv exposure to a 'healthier' way of eating and in that turn don't know any better. You may be doing that family a world of good by befriending and being a 'friendly neighbor' so to speak. DM may run in that family and you may be saving the kid's lives in the long run, but just do it with heart and gently, as a friend. Otherwise, you may be in the position of gaining an 'unfriendly' response! Good luck Joni!

This is HORRIBLE behavior for any adult to reward a child with sweet treats.  THis is one of the reasons we have such an obesity problem in the United States today.  Fast food restaraunts are another great contributing factor.  I just think if we all had gardens in our backyards, we would be better off.  Just kidding.  I know we don't have time for that.  However, I do have one suggestion.  Shop on the outside, or the outer rim of the rectangle of the store.  Go down the isles LAST!  All of the meat, vegies, eggs, etc are on  the outer rim of the food part of the store.  It is true.  Just take a look see.  Eat more of the natural things.  Not canned or frozen.  Make it fresh if you have the time.  If you are tight on your time, then buy frozen first before canned.  canned is the worst.  I know it is fast,but you have your body for only one lifetime.  Be as healthy as you can.  AND YES, indulge every now and again when you are doing well.  JUST don't eat the WHOLE pie!  Happy, healthy eating to everyone on this link!

I'm currently working in a school.  I was horrified to see that whenkids come to the nurses office for a stomach complaint, a band-aid or anything, they are routinely given peppermint candy.  "This will help your stomach".  This is done with the rationalization that kids need a little TLC.  I don't give out candy, but find kids asking for it.  What does this teach them?  Is it really TLC or is it just getting out of class?