Hi everyone,
 
What an amazing response to yesterday’s “Parents’ choice” post.  Obviously a lot of people are passionate about this topic, as I am. First, I want to acknowledge and thank you all for being awesome women. You were so honest and willing to share. Having so many people open up about their own stories and experiences is important, eye-opening, and informative for all of us.  It reminds us all that there are warm faces and loving hearts behind what we see at the grocery store or at the ice cream shop. As I said in my original post, I'm not judging, and it seems like all of you made the same effort. For that, I applaud you and thank you.

Also, I can't tell you how wonderful it made me feel to read your responses to each other, offering advice and empathy, and reaching out to support each other. High fives all around. Again, you all have my eternal gratitude for caring so much about each other.
 
Now, on to the topic at hand. People made so many interesting points, and there are a few things I'd like to address. Diane's story says so much. I have heard about this nutrition plan for children with Autism and ADHD and read about extremely positive results. It's amazing to read about parents who are finding success despite extremely difficult circumstances, and making such pro-active (often difficult) choices for their children. I'm sure sticking to such a strict meal plan can't be easy or inexpensive. But when it's crucial to your quality of life, as it so often is in these cases, you make it work. That’s truly inspirational.
 
To Terri's point, metabolism absolutely plays a big part in weight. Some people are just gifted with genetics that allow them to indulge without gaining weight.  While I am nowhere close to being a doctor, I can tell you that I've seen first hand that in some ways, appearing overweight is just the most obvious symptom of bigger health issues. I know slender looking people who ended up in the emergency room undergoing quadruple by-pass surgery due to clogged arteries from unhealthy eating. Obesity is the easiest aspect to diagnose; you identify it whether you mean to or not. But there are so many extremely unhealthy things that can be happening beneath the surface that you may never even know about until it's too late.
 
Joly, you brought up several important points also. Yes, there are circumstances beyond our control as parents. I cannot imagine what that must have been like for you, having your child diagnosed with something so foreign you don't even begin to know how to handle it. From what you wrote, it seems like at 11 he's no longer battling the original diagnosis, but obviously, he’s still physically and emotionally dealing with the repercussions. As are you. And how does someone even begin to offer advice to someone in your unique circumstances? I don’t know. But the statistics of your circumstances are in the minority. Most of this country is facing obesity for extremely basic reasons.
 
On another point, I couldn't agree with you more, Joly. Staring is rude, and it is certainly no one’s place to judge others “until you've walked a mile in their shoes” and maybe not even then. However, I will say, it is more than just about differences. My concern, sitting in my local coffee shop, was for that child's welfare. And I'm sorry, I will not back down from the fact that under no circumstances should an obese child have a chocolaty whipped cream coffee drink. And the caffeine is frankly the least of my concerns. Of course I didn't stare, mostly because I would NEVER want that little girl to feel bad about herself. But if she doesn't already, she will. I know how mean kids are. It was bad enough when I was in school, and now? Do you watch Oprah?? They're horrible to each other. It's terrifying under the best of circumstances. And it is, without question (in my opinion) parents’ responsibility to give their children every possible advantage. But, I will emphasize again, this obviously exempts parents who have major medical battles that most of us will hopefully never have to deal with.
 
I will end this overly long post by acknowledging Chrissy. I honor her honesty and appreciate her putting herself out there, opening up to everyone else, and sharing her story. But the most important part about what she wrote is the last two weeks. She is on the right path NOW, and that is more important that anything else. Now, today, here, she is being a good role model and that is how you should see yourself, Chrissy. Congratulate yourself on what you're doing now to be a good mom.
 
Not to be totally corny, but the opening lyrics to The Biggest Loser theme song is "What have you done TODAY to make you feel proud?" Do something good today, and tomorrow you'll feel good about what you did yesterday and want to do it again, and so on and so on. That's how I keep myself going. I love how this conversation is going. I would love to keep it up, so share more stories if you have them! And let us know if you have other ideas for ways to help keep our kids healthy, and not judge others in our community for what we don't understand. 

Thank you all again, and I hope you have a happy, healthy weekend.

xo

Ali