Kid Stuff

Over the past several years there have been numerous news stories on the obesity crisis in the US.  Children are of particular concern because the habits that they develop now will determine the health risks that they face later, sometimes not much later.  There are so many sugary cereals, sweet drinks and candies masquerading as food targeted at kids that I am sure that it is challenging for parents these days.

The answer--as it is for adults--is to ensure that kids are eating healthier food in smaller portions and getting exercise.  (I know; easier said than done.  I--and my thighs--hear you.)  I saw something the other day that makes me think that we are approaching this getting more exercise for kids thing the wrong way, though.

Are you all aware that there is now exercise equipment specifically for children?  That's right.  Here are some things that I can pretty much guarantee that little Hunter or Madison do not have on their Christmas lists this year: the Fisher Price Smart Cycle stationary bike (retail $89.97), the Kid First Fitness Treadmill (retail $109.95) and the Fitness Fun Glide-a-Stride elliptical trainer (retail $119.99). 

What?!  The only thing that looks even remotely fun is the Folding Trampoline with Safety Pad.  Still, it retails for $99.95.  Apparently the goal is to break the parental bank while making kids hate activity.  I am not one of those people who think that everything that was done when I was a kid is better than what we do today.  I mean, when I was a child, people didn't use seat belts and smoking around kids was totally fine.  However, the way that my mother ensured that I got some exercise was to shove me outside and tell me to go play until dinner.  Because every other mother on the block did the same thing with their kids, it worked out pretty well.

I understand that we live in different times.  There are safety issues that my mother never had to worry about.  Still, there must be a better way than this.  I am not a parent, but, really, do we all think that the way to teach kids to love activity is to stick them on a stationary bike and tell them to peddle to nowhere?  Ug.

On a total non-sequitur side-note, Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz had their first child--Bronx Mowgli.  They are carrying on the stupid children's names tradition by naming their first born after a Borough and a Disney character.  Really?  Do they hate this kid?  Of course, if little Bronx ends up playing with Brooklyn (Posh and Becks boy) or Kingston and Zuma (Gwen and Gavin's sons), it will all come out in the wash.  Still, I don't think that celebrities get points for creativity when naming their children.

I am just saying.