Home > Health > MOMania > Archives > 2007 > March > 07
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Does obesity debate tip scales against parents?
Should government have a role in raising children?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
By now, we’ve all heard of young Connor McCreaddie, the 218-pound, 8-year-old boy in Britain who was nearly removed from his mother’s care out of concern for his health. After much debate, officials in the UK have decided to allow Connor to remain in his home for the time being.
Stories like this conjure up strong and immediate emotions in most parents. Some are horrified that anyone would give their children carte blanche to eat their way into morbid obesity. Others are equally shocked that a government could even think of taking away parents’ custody because their son or daughter is overweight.
Research and studies constantly alert us to dangers lurking in our children’s everyday lives. Childhood obesity is just one — but it’s a growing one. Whether it’s Shaquille O’Neal coaching overweight kids in an upcoming television program or increasing numbers of teens having obesity surgery , it’s not a stretch to imagine policymakers on this side of the pond using sensationalized stories to try to save every child, one legislative bill or judicial action at a time.
I’m not saying I condone parents who aren’t trying to establish a healthy life for their kids. But I am equally uncomfortable with the idea that children could be taken from parents who love them because the moms and dads don’t parent the “right way”.
Most people agree that children should be removed from parents who are physically or sexually abusive. Outside of clear-cut abuse, however, is there a balance between protecting children’s interests and preserving the rights of parents? How do you draw the line?
Permalink | Comments (56) | Categories: Ethics of rearing kids today
