Topics to Avoid: Religion, Politics, and...Fat Children?

     Michelle Obama is in the news for the crime of trying to relate to people who have struggled with their children being overweight.  She said she was once worried when a pediatrician expressed concern that her daughters' body mass indexes were in danger of becoming "out of balance."  Critics say she is pushing her preteen daughter down the path to an eating disorder.
     When did weight become so taboo?  If it is addressed with respect and good humor (as were Mrs. Obama's comments) there is no reason to suspect a child is being scarred.  In fact, my mother jokes that as a baby I had legs that resembled ham hocks, and I grew up to be a healthy and confident adult.  (though I do confess to being a little grossed out by ham)
     According to the CNN.com "Talking to Tweens About Healthy Eating," Dr. Tom Robinson says "It's better to talk to a child directly about the problem than to pretend it doesn't exist."  Children already know if they are overweight and they need a long term plan in partnership with their parents.  The internet is full of quick fixes.  On the "45 Pounds" site you can buy a mail order diet for your child that promises to make your tubby toddler into child star material.  Accompanying the testimonies are "before and after" shots guarenteed to produce the nauseating feeling that only child exploitation can deliver.
     The parenting community at ivillage is a bit more positive.  It encourages families not to use food as a reward or to heap stress on the child by demanding instant results.  How much force is just right?  According to telegraph.com the United Kingdom is creating the National Child Measurement Programme.  Students will be weighed by the government and letters will be sent home to those who are "overweight" or "very overweight."
     If you are uncomfortable having your child weighed by the government and want to avoid causing the child to feel ashamed, treat yourself to a dose of shame at the ezine community.  Articles such as "Childhood Obesity - Parents- It's Your Fault Your Kids Are Fat" will yell at you and accuse you of sabotage.  The "advice" hurls confusing numbers about glycemic indexes and improper chemical combinations at any parent silly enough to click on this link to become more educated and responsible.  It's enough to make anyone start stress eating!