Moms Council: What Do You Think About the Book 'Maggie Goes On A Diet'?

What do you think of the book "Maggie Goes On A Diet"?

From Danica LC:

I believe that healthy eating and exercise are extremely important for everyone. I think it's best to teach a healthy way of life, versus dieting.

I believe that the activity and eating habits you will have for life are established as a young child. I also believe that it's a parents job to educate their child on healthy lifestyle choices, as much as it's a parents responsibility to protect their child from things they might find inappropriate. 

If you, as your child's parent disapprove of this book, then don't let them read it. If the book finds it's way into your child's hands, take the opportunity to educate them on why you disapprove.  

I also believe that author's have a right to write what they choose, just as you have a right to boycott their books. And, we all have a right to blog/post/email our opinions. Thankfully, we live in a country that allows us these rights.

From Melisa Thorne:

I first heard about the soon to be released book "Maggie Goes On A Diet" on a blog.

There is quite a stir over the release of this book. Many people are asking Amazon to boycott it. Having only read the blurbs of this book online I will say that I'm not as outraged by the concept of the story as other parents are, BUT I can see where the problem and the solution are flawed and send the wrong message.  

The premise of "Maggie Goes On A Diet's" is that a 14-year old is teased for her weight and decides to diet and exercise -- transforming her from ostracized to popular, from unhealthy to a soccer star. I am a big proponent of healthy eating and exercise and I believe that parents should be teaching their kids about nutrition and setting good examples. I also believe parents should be teaching their kids about self esteem too. But in terms of this book, what bothers me is...

First, the message that if you are thin, everything in life will be okay is not one that I agree with.   

Second, bullying is not resolved by fixing the victim. And, the use of the word 'diet' doesn't exactly promote healthy living: it suggests that there is a need to take a quick fix to change your body image. 

As I said earlier, I have no objection to teaching kids healthy eating habits and the importance of exercise no matter what age they are. Childhood obesity is a serious problem. I just find it sad that the character in the book defines her self worth by her appearance. 

And I have real problem that the story makes no issue of the kids who bully her.

From Christa Ciccia:

This seems to be quite the hot topic lately. Recently my son started middle school and he is suddenly concerned with being fat. Not only is he not fat but he is actually under weight! This subject seems to effect all tweens, not just girls. I have not read "Maggie's Diet" as it has not been released yet, however the overlying premise seems harmless. With that being said, bullying is never good. Even though it got Maggie to take an interest in her health and appearance. Also, the word diet should never be used when children are concerned. It has a terrible unhealthy stigma. Eating healthy should be a constant way of life. Treats are great in moderation, but some of the foods I see in these lunch boxes are just thoughtless.

Because children are not independently wealthy, I can only address the parents. If children are not eating healthy it is because they are getting unhealthy foods from their parents. Also, sports and outdoor activities should be enforced. My children have to pick a sport each season. Luckily, they enjoy it, but even if they were kicking and screaming I would insist that they get physical activity everyday. At this stage of the game competition in sports means nothing, it is all about the exercise so they should just have fun and run around.

I am the first person to say yes to dessert and yes, I keep a secret stash of chocolate on the top shelf of my fridge door. But I also make sure we all eat healthy foods and get plenty of exercise. That's my job as mom. I have gone food shopping at least once a week for thirteen years now. I know what cost the most, junk food! The least expensive foods are the healthiest. A good rule of thumb is to buy most of your foods from the outer perimeter of the supermarket (that is the outer most aisles on either side and along the back). These foods are the freshest and the healthiest.