As if we didn't already know this... a new study out reveals that all of the commercials that bombard wee ones during Saturday morning cartoons are marketing the least healthy food options for youngsters. In between Imagination Movers and Dora the Explorer, tiny viewers are likely to see an advertisement for Lucky Charms, Coco Puffs, and loads of other sugar loaded cereals. When mama heads to the grocery store, it's almost a given that her lil guy is going to beg for the leprechaun laden box that just so happens to be right at his eye level and well within his reach. And to avoid a meltdown, she might just give in and buy it for him.
I had my fair share of Fruity Pebbles and Lucky Charms growing up but I am trying to keep my tots on the good stuff as long as I can — her top two choices are Life and Special K with strawberries. It's just a matter of time until she discovers the land of food colored corn puffs and floating marshmallows. After all, they are magically delicious.
Do you let your tot dive into the bright and sugary stuff?
Cyberjammies
Emporio Armani
Giorgio Fedon
We do, in limited quantities. I think making a big deal out of it or not having it at all causes it to go backwards. I just know too many people who blew every cent of their money on chips soda and candy becuase they were deprived. She eats kix, rice krispies, plain cheerios, and occasionally has more sugary ones.
We ate fruit loops and honey comb growing up, but every one of us (3 siblings) preferred cottage cheese and fruit or Just Right to them. lol, I loved Just Right.. all those yummy dates and nuts.
1an amusing thing, I just remembered, while my parents would let us choose something sugary and fun every once in a while, she absolutely wouldn't let us try cookie crisp.. haha. amusing memories about how annoyed we were. cooooooookie crisp
2Advertising to children is prohibited by law in Québec and I think it's a really good thing.
3Wow, FinnLover, I didn't know that, that is a really good thing. Here in Germany there is a really popular brand that's actually called 'Kinder' (children). They aim their advertisement spefically at kids and parents claiming their chocolate bars are healthy because there's sooo much milk in them! Crazy. There was a debate a while ago if that could be prohibited.
I always thought parents wouldn't buy into that though...Until a few weeks ago my friend told me his mother was giving all that bad stuff to his niece and nephew because she really didn't know better!
I think making a big deal out of food is always wrong. Kids have a way of knowing what they need. Don't tell them to eat something because it's healthy or to leave it because it's bad for them. Just offer a variety and they'll most likely be fine.
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