Not hyperbole. Not anymore. The facts are clear. Proof is readily available. Any quick engine search will support the claim. SUGAR is detrimental for children’s well-being.
The following post was written November 9, 2023. The logic continues to ring true today. The advice is not startling but rather simply stated. It’s parental guidance that is now supported by the new US Dietary Guidelines.
Parents are now justified. They have reasonable proof to insist their children make better nutritional choices during their years of growth and development.
Suzanne Rightley promotes children’s health via her health-motivated fictional books for kids ages 10-14. Find her books on Amazon today to support your efforts in securing a healthy future for your children.
Many people seem to take care of their cars better than they take care of themselves.
While this may not be true for all people it certainly is true for many. And the most disheartening part is that these same people are oblivious to the extent of their neglect and ignorance.
For all you car owners out there… answer this: Is it wise to use the wrong engine oil? Would you “feed” your car diesel if the manual said to use regular gasoline?
You get the gist of where this is going, right?
That being the case… why would the human body deserve less attention? Why provide inaccurate care/shoddy maintenance for our very existence?
Yet that is exactly what happens when people load up on ultra-processed fake foods. They consume excessive amounts of sugar.
This consumption leads them down the path towards insulin resistance. It also triggers the metabolic diseases that follow.
They drink beverages that have zero value, fueling up on fructose laden detrimental liquids.
They consume more alcohol and added sugar then their own livers can handle.
They eat ultra-processed fast foods that even scavenger birds reject.
Ironically, these same people bring their cars in for regular tuneups and maintenance. They may park at a safe distance from other motorists to avoid dings and scratches. They regularly wash and wax their precious vehicles, often by hand because car washes might produce fine scratches over time. Furthermore, they’ll rust proof the undercarriage before they drive over salted winter roads.
Do they think this is excessive behavior?
Do they see themselves as odd or obsessive?
No!
But let a “health-nut” point out the harmful effects of seed oils and they’ll come unglued.
So…
Here’s the question…
Do you take care of your car or truck better than you take care of your nutritional and fitness needs? Be honest!
And…
Are you guiding your children (if you have children) towards making good healthy choices?
Surely the human body deserves to be treated with the same respect and dignity as cars and trucks. It should receive this minimal level of care… at the very least.
We don’t come with an owners’ manual…. therefore, many of us abuse the life within ourselves (you know… all those millions of cells and microbes) because of ignorance.
We didn’t know that seed oils were producing oxidative stress on our bodies. We were told they were “healthier” than saturated fats. We believed the trusted establishments… the experts. Now many of those experts are retracting their former instructions.
We didn’t have all the facts about diabetes (type 2). Visit the American Diabetes Association website and review its recently updated guidelines. They fall short of saying chronic insulin exposure is the primary cause… but they are acknowledging insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia as early contributors to disease progression.
We didn’t know that upwards of 70% of the “food stuffs” in typical grocery stores are processed or ultra-processed. But now… thanks to the internet we have access to the facts. It’s easy to do the research. A bit harder to make dietary changes (think of habits to break).
This ‘progress’ is encouraging. Kind of reminds us of that famous 1969 quote…
“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Neil Armstrong
In other words… health knowledge is power. Knowledge will win out. It brings change.
So, let’s think positively as we press forward towards health and wellness.
While we didn’t have all the facts we should realize that we are responsible for our own health. And the great news… it’s never too late. Eating REAL food, getting moderate amount of exercise, and adequate sleep is within our reach.
Oh… no worries, no one says we need to neglect our modes of transportation. Go ahead… wash and wax to your heart’s content. In fact… it’s exercise. YAY You!
Suzanne writes children’s fiction stories that encourage kids to make healthy choices. Visit her author page for a complete list of her books.
Our lives are often unduly influenced by the quick comments of others. The lives of our children are affected by these comments as well. Often these remarks and actions are thoughtless.
And…. without some conscious effort on our part— a sort of ‘premeditated thought’ to remain firm to our convictions— we can be swayed to engage with, or even mimic, the poor conduct of others.
This is especially true of children. Children are vulnerable and easily manipulated.
Saying it is understandable doesn’t make it right or excusable.
As adults, we ought to be able to distance ourselves from these displays of rude outspokenness. The words and actions of others do not need to become ours going forward.
As adults, we ought to be able to reason things out. Rash behavior is simply that… rash. We do not need to fuel the irresponsible behaviors by contributing some of our own.
To that end.. let’s talk children.
Do we want our kids to watch us act like this?
If society is inundated with displays of poor behavior, we must take action. We ought to endeavor to do more in terms of promoting good behavior.
Set the Example for our Kids
We can make an extra effort to show random acts of kindness. This is particularly important when children are watching.
As it turns out… doing well toward our fellow man produces joy that benefits our own mental and physical health.
The reality states that we cannot change the words and actions of others but we can change our own conduct. Being pleasant, being helpful, avoiding unnecessary confrontations, and keeping our opinions to ourselves, are all things we can do.
Take a moment or two to think about how you can ‘be generous’ toward someone. Give a friendly wave to that harried motorist. They waited patiently while you crossed an icy intersection.
Your easygoing gesture is a small act of appreciation on your part. It didn’t hurt you in the least… didn’t take anything from your day.
It doesn’t mean much, yet it means a lot.
Maybe… just maybe, a young child, from a passing school bus window, witnessed your thoughtful act. And… with no conscious effort on their part, absorbed a random act of kindness as ‘normal’ human behavior.
“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.” Lao Tzu
Thanks for the visit.
Suzanne Rightley authors children fiction stories. Her books provide wholesome, character driven stories for independent readers ages 10+. Find her author page on Amazon.
Hearing what kids say, and what they don’t say, is an important aspect of parenting.
What’s really going on?
When children first start speaking, parents are thrilled. They catch every new word (even when adoringly mispronounced) and they share their joy with … just about everyone they know and – considering TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and etc., a whole lot of people they don’t know.
As time goes on, those wonderful first words turn into a lot of chatter, and chatter, and even more chatter.
Somewhere along the way, many parents sorta tune out some of the gibber-jabber. It’s not hard to understand why. A child’s repetitive chatter is well… repetitive.
But parents should not relax when it comes to listening to their children. As their child’s world broadens, so do the influences – both positive and negative.
From neighborhoods, to schools, after school activities and… of course, let’s not forget their friends… children face many situations.
So yes, parents cherish their baby’s first words. They’re extremely attentive. As they should be.
But, as time speedily moves on, parents need to be even more vigilant about their child’s expanding world.
The harmless chatter from toddlers and preschoolers can change suddenly. This can happen overnight, if parents do not keep their listening skills sharp.
As a responsible parent, you want to tune into the things your kids don’t (or maybe can’t) put into words. To do…
Sharpen Your Listening Skills
Catch What’s Missing
Sudden changes in your child’s interests/routines: If circumstances don’t seem to justify the reasons… then their wish to change a formerly cherished hobby may show something has become uncomfortable for them. Refusing to go to places they used to love may also signal discomfort. This discomfort might be causing anxiety.
When they avoid certain topics: Watch for kids who dodge questions about their friends, school, or even their feelings. This behavior may mean that something is amiss.
Becoming unusually quiet: Children tend to talk a lot about… everything. If that changes, and they become withdrawn, it may indicate they don’t know how to express their concerns.
Key body language cues to look out for
Facial expressions: If the expression on their faces doesn’t match their words, it can be a sign. They might not be truthful. A blank stare or a forced smile when they claim they are okay might indicate this.
Defensive posture: A child who fidgets, crosses their arms, or turns away from you may indicate they are withdrawing. This behavior may signal that something or someone is causing them discomfort or worry.
Attitude changes: emotional stress may be expressed as either sudden need for independence or excessive clinginess.
Listen to word choice & tone of voice
Vague: A child who says “I don’t care” or “whatever” might mean the exact opposite.
Too apologetic: Self-blame might mean a growing low self-esteem or they don’t want to disappoint you.
Joking about serious things: Humour can be a cover for insecurity.
What To Do Next…
As a concerned parent, you may have heard some of the following suggestions… “Validate your child’s feelings without telling them what to do.” (That makes sense.) “Ask open-ended questions to give your child the opportunity to fill in the blanks.” (Yeah, another good one.)
You could probably list several yourself.
But the big takeaway should be found within a parent’s attitude and commitment.
As children grow, they struggle to ‘fit in’ to their surrounding world. They might come across as being unreasonable or argumentative. They can also appear frustrated, etc. Parents often take the hit and trying to navigate through it, is similar to crossing a landmine.
The smart parent will understand and NOT take any outbursts as PERSONAL. They realize that all the ups and downs are part of that all important process we typically call… growing up.
In hindsight, those earlier toddler and preschool years were, not only wonderful, but much easier. However, remind yourself (repeatedly) that the ‘growing up’ years are also wonderful.
Strive to become a parent who understands. Allow your child the time they need to establish a firm footing in the world. You’re there to help when it’s necessary and … guess what … your child knows it.
Now… whether or not you should trust their friends, school, neighborhoods, etc… Not so much. Be vigilant and remember to listen to what your child is not saying. They may need you to step in with a few tips here and there along the way.
Suzanne writes fiction for kids 10-14. Her latest efforts target kids’ health and wellness. If you, or someone you know, are interested in lively health-focused narratives,for the children you care about, then visit her author page on Amazon.
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