There are a lot of contributors to childhood obesity. A big one is larger food portions and kids drinking way more sodas than they used to. Hubs and I were discussing straw sizes. When we were kids there were two straw sizes at McDonald's. A small one for drinks and a larger one for milk shakes. Now it's just one big honking straw. What used to be a "small" is now "child size." Child size used to be smaller yet. I don't remember snacks being forced upon us all the time when I was a kid either. You ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner and that was it. Maybe an apple after school.
Additionally, kids can't walk to and from school like they used to because people (probably erroneously, but maybe not) think that it's too dangerous because of all the creepy werido child molesters. Also, some places don't have neighborhood schools like they used to, so it may be just too far to walk. Just like, you can't really turn your kids out in the neighborhood to play and wander and roam like we did. I don't know if there really is more danger out there, or if we just perceive it that way, but you'd probably be charged with neglect if you let your kids run around free like we did.
so true! when we were in elementary school, we walked. but we always walked with a huge group of kids.
and we did play outside all the time! from the time we got home from school until it got dark out. and we had to actually play during recess. we'd all come in all smelly and sweaty, but man, i'm so glad!
i never see kids playing outside anymore. it's so sad! they have too many distractions: tv, videogames, computers...all good, but man, take a break from all that!
There are a lot of contributors to childhood obesity. A big one is larger food portions and kids drinking way more sodas than they used to. Hubs and I were discussing straw sizes. When we were kids there were two straw sizes at McDonald's. A small one for drinks and a larger one for milk shakes. Now it's just one big honking straw. What used to be a "small" is now "child size." Child size used to be smaller yet. I don't remember snacks being forced upon us all the time when I was a kid either. You ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner and that was it. Maybe an apple after school.
Additionally, kids can't walk to and from school like they used to because people (probably erroneously, but maybe not) think that it's too dangerous because of all the creepy werido child molesters. Also, some places don't have neighborhood schools like they used to, so it may be just too far to walk. Just like, you can't really turn your kids out in the neighborhood to play and wander and roam like we did. I don't know if there really is more danger out there, or if we just perceive it that way, but you'd probably be charged with neglect if you let your kids run around free like we did.
so true! when we were in elementary school, we walked. but we always walked with a huge group of kids.
and we did play outside all the time! from the time we got home from school until it got dark out. and we had to actually play during recess. we'd all come in all smelly and sweaty, but man, i'm so glad!
i never see kids playing outside anymore. it's so sad! they have too many distractions: tv, videogames, computers...all good, but man, take a break from all that!
Oh, yeah, I didn't even think about that! There's no reason to go outside now.
Walking is part of life in other countries. They have public transportation, which we seriously lack here, but they at least WALK or ride a bike to the train or bus stop.
The US has such a "car culture." If you were seen walking to and from the grocery store with a little cart for your stuff, people might wonder what you're doing. Like only homeless people walk around with carts. There's that subtle stigma for walking, I think. Especially here in the Motor City. The cities are just set up for driving, not walking, and public transport is almost non-existent.
SF ain't car culture , they constantly vote against auto related things and now are raising parking fees and fines . it's public tranpo is way better then Hawaii though
Walking is part of life in other countries. They have public transportation, which we seriously lack here, but they at least WALK or ride a bike to the train or bus stop.
The US has such a "car culture." If you were seen walking to and from the grocery store with a little cart for your stuff, people might wonder what you're doing. Like only homeless people walk around with carts. There's that subtle stigma for walking, I think. Especially here in the Motor City. The cities are just set up for driving, not walking, and public transport is almost non-existent.
SF ain't car culture , they constantly vote against auto related things and now are raising parking fees and fines . it's public tranpo is way better then Hawaii though
Yes, I know, you all catch the trolley car after you eat your Rice a Roni. San Francisco = Utopia.
