Why is my daughter complaining that she's the only one without a treat in her lunchbox? Maybe I'm just a mean mom. Maybe I'll give her a cigarette in her lunchbox as a treat. I mean it's only one, and kids should have something to look forward to during the day. She works so hard; she deserves a treat. She'll still get her sandwich and apple; those are good for her. What, like 1 cigarette is going to hurt her?!
Can you imagine if I did that? All hell would break loose. Panic from the teacher, the principal, concern from social services - imagine what they'd say about me at the school gate! I'd be socially ostracized and rightly so. My God, how could I give my daughter something that could cause her to get cancer, heart disease, weaken her bones, increase her chances of infertility, compromise her immune system? It would be child abuse. We know how harmful smoking is - that's why smoking in public buildings is now banned. It's why cigarettes can't be advertised on television and radio or in magazines. Thank goodness the number of people who smoke in Ireland has decreased (down 7% from 1998-20051).
In Ireland 33% of adults smoke.
In Ireland 39% of adults are overweight or obese.
Obesity also increases the risk for a variety of cancers (2), causes heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis (weakening of cartilage and bone), respiratory problems, and infertility - among other things. Obesity is an epidemic: in Ireland and globally. The World Health Organization says that body weight is now the most common childhood disease.(3)
As we make slow progress lowering smoking rates through huge public effort, education and social campaigns, we're making fast progress in increasing our rates of obesity. The Irish Department of Health says that the numbers of Irish children who are overweight have tripled in the past decade (more than 1 in 5 children aged 5-12 are overweight or obese.{4}) Between 1990-2000 obesity overall increased 67%. We're doing a much better job at increasing our obesity than we are at decreasing our smoking.
We know nicotine is addictive. So is sugar. Science says so (5) and we can all recognize the addictive feelings of craving, bingeing and withdrawal from sugar. So, why are sports teams handing out crisps and soda as treats after matches? Why are we buying "energy drinks" for kids before sports? Why are sugary treats handed out by teachers as prizes? Why is the chemist kindly offering my child a lollipop? Why are treats at play dates such a focus? Why is hot chocolate the post swim lesson standard?
Why is my daughter complaining that she is the only one without a treat in her lunch? I'm sure she's not the only one. And I know, I know, I'm being ridiculous - I should be a nice mom and put a treat in her lunchbox tomorrow. She deserves a treat. And sure it's only one, it won't kill her...