Anonymous wrote:You are very fortunate that your kids eat only the healthy food that you serve them. I had this opinion, too, that children should only healthy food you serve them. Until I had children with special needs. My first had severe food allergies starting from 6 months old and a very restricted diet. Each new food we introduced had to be trialed - one a week. Every single fruit, vegetable, meat, and grain. Day one would be one bite. Day 2 would be 2 bites. At any point there could be an allergic reaction, necessitating a trip to the hospital. It was absolutely terrifying and mealtimes were not enjoyable but a highly stressful event that could end with a medical emergency. We ended up feeding that child whatever safe foods we could, and could not eat out, travel, dine with others, etc. because of the risks of an allergic reaction. The goal for them became weight gain with a restricted diet due to food allergies so we focused on that.

My second child was introduced to fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean meats as a baby but had no interest in food. There were issues upon solids introduction with chewing, gagging, and swallowing. We saw specialists and talked to our pediatrician. Once we got that kid eating more solids, only a few foods would be accepted by them and they were the highly processed, tan foods that kids with sensory food issues prefer. They had little to no interest in eating and only certain, specific, processed foods would be consumed. We did feeding therapy, and had evaluations with many different specialty doctors. Basically I was told it was a sensory issue, that my child may have high functioning autism, and I should do whatever I can to make mealtimes pleasant and feed whatever they will eat.

So sure, you may judge me if you see me feeding my kids processed foods. But you have no idea what I have dealt with or how I would trade places with you in a heartbeat. Have you ever cried because your child hasn’t gained weight for 5 months and won’t eat ice cream or any other calorically dense foods you offer? Have you ever dealt with a child who will only eat 20 foods or fewer and will refuse entire groups of food? No matter what you try - even when you read books about food, they help you shop and cook, you let them play with food and they have done feeding therapy and can name every single healthy food the rest of the family eats that they won’t eat them self.

So basically - before you judge, have a little compassion and realize that many of us who have kids who eat poorly compared to your family could be dealing with a lot of challenges that you never even dreamed about.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why single out “white/American” people?
If you come to a party any of my Indian clan’s
homes you’ll see a buffet of samosas, parathas, deep-fried poori, creamy dals and meat dishes, buttery biryanis and all manner of sweets. We don’t have special genes. These are occasional treats and we take small portions.

Yes! I am Indian-American and was going to say the same. Way unhealthier than that stuff OP listed.

And yes our community is "healthy" as adults - that's mostly just a socioeconomic thing.

Anonymous wrote:As someone who is in an Asian and white family, I am super tired of Asian judgement about food. Just as my Asian family would never serve everything we have at a banquet or big family meal on a regular weeknight, a white family would never serve everything you’re listing at one meal. And it isn’t fair to demean basics or simpler parts of other people’s cuisine as “kid food”- just because children only want to eat very simple macaroni and cheese doesn’t mean that’s somehow inferior to the plain white rice that my child wants to eat.

Just say what you really want to say in these posts: that you feel superior to other people because of…your food? Your race? Something else? I don’t know but the undertone of your post reads as nasty and judgey, and I say that as an Asian mom.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are Asian, cook mostly at home, lots of vegetables and lean meats. Desserts are mostly fruit with weekly treats.*

Whenever I look up “kid-friendly” recipes for gatherings I am hosting (neighborhood, school families, etc.) I see a lot of things like:
- Mac n cheese
- Crockpot meatballs with BBQ sauce and grape jelly
- Creamy cheddar bacon dip
- Sausage pizza puffs
- Fried ravioli

I know it’s a party but… I feel like people should not eat this way, like ever? Unless they are also running marathons, I don’t think our bodies can go through this many calories and sugar and cheese? Or is there a special gene that white/American people have that enables them to absorb all these calories and sugar and cheese without negative effect?

* And yes, I am fully aware my kids may rebel and stuff their face once they start buying their own groceries. But, I did not and am hoping inculcating good food habits does not backfire for my kids.

I'm going to guess you're in Minnesota, home of the tater tot casserole.

Anonymous wrote:I started eating vegetables at age 20. There is hope! I now eat them everyday.

-White American

Anonymous wrote:Please elaborate on what on earth “white/Americans” means. Can’t wait to hear who you are trying to insult/avoid insulting.