Ask a Question. Any Question! | Overweight 8 year old in London...Who's responsible???

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Overweight 8 year old in London...Who's responsible???

Posted by: Daisy on February 28, 2007 at 11:48AM EST

My heart ached this morning for the little 8 year old boy in England, who weighs over 200 lbs. The debate was wether to take him away from his mother or not . My son asked me who's fault it was that this child has gotten so big.

It is 100% his mothers fault. It is her responsibility to provide a safe nurturing enviroment for her child to thrive and grow. That does NOT mean to allow that boy to stuff his face every 20 minutes with unhealthy, high calorie foods and drinks.

Some may say genetics plays a big part in the debate , well maybe a small part and not at the age of 8. I 'm not so sure taking him away from his only parent is the best solution, but the child defintily needs a gaurdian of some sort, to look after his best interest, because it's clear at this point his mother cannot.

Who agrees with me?

(2) Answers

Posted by: Sadie on March 26, 2007 10:22AM EST

I feel that it is totally the parent's responsibility to control this situation. At the age of 8, this child is too young to understand the health risks involved in unhealthy eating--especially if that has not been modeled for him by his mother up to this point. It is obvious that someone needs to take control of the situation since his mother will not. I feel sorry for this child!

Posted by: sj on March 1, 2007 1:09PM EST

Wow-- that is a tough one, but I agree that it is his mother's responsibility to keep him from harming himself with food. Just as it is a parents' responsibility to keep our kids safe from poisons, predators, harmful internet images, busy streets --- the list is endless. In the story it is stated that this mother has been given many opportunities to receive help in educating herself and the boy about a healthier lifestyle, but has not shown up. If she refuses to help him, someone needs to-- even if it has to be enforced in a way that is shocking. Taking him out of the home for a time may be what it takes to wake the mother up to her responsibilities.