Editorial: Parenting and food prices contribute to overeating children

Overeating children is a major problem. Photo/Getty Image

It's no secret New Zealand has high rates of not only child obesity but also adult obesity.

It seems we are a nation of people who struggle to say no, are too easily tempted, don't exercise enough and eat the wrong food. Yes, we are fat.

A symposium is being held in Rotorua tomorrowto specifically look at childhood obesity. Our city is lucky enough to have international experts talking about the problem.

The talk, organised by Te Papa Takaro o Te Arawa, will specifically drill down on indigenous childhood obesity.

As the mother of three girls (including twin 2-year-olds), I know how hard it is to get children to eat right.

Kids can grow to be fussy and only like the bad stuff - sausages, takeaways and lollies.

Plunket does a fantastic job ensuring every family is equipped with the right information about what children should have and need at their age.

Failing to give your children proper food and only feeding them rubbish is a form of child abuse.

I've seen little children not even at school yet in our city with black front teeth. They won't eat anything other than cheerios or tinned spaghetti every night.

I knew of another young boy many years ago who would only eat Weet-Bix and milk - nothing else. No meat, no vegetables and no fruit. How on earth he grew was beyond me.

These stories are plain and simply a result of parents not being firm enough.

With my children, it's hard to stay on the right track. Food is comfort and is a great way to get your children to behave, snap out of tantrums or just be quiet for five minutes.

It's also not only about having discipline as a parent - it can be about money. A meal of fish and chips with a bottle of fizz is cheaper than a square meal of meat, fresh vegetables and bottled water.

I'm not on any high horse because you will see me from time to time in the supermarket with sleep deprived and starving children sucking on a lollipop just so I can get what I need quickly and get out.

But as the experts say, it's all about moderation.

It's food for thought anyway.