Is it child abuse when...?

You let your child eat whatever they like and they end up being obese. This will give them health problem in later life. This will shorten their life expectancy.

If someone else were to have this effect on your child's health they would certainly be prosecuted. Why is this not true for parents?

Unless you've got your kid at home 24/7/365, and you can watch him/her like the proverbial hawk (which might constitute child abuse, in and of itself, if you do that to an older kid), then you cannot control every single minute of your child's life. They might be drinking sodas and eating garbage, even if you don't give them lunch money, and even if you pack their lunches. Kids like to eat what "everyone else" is eating. And they'll eat what they see advertised. That's one reason that I'm happy that schools are starting to get rid of junk food from their grounds, and why I'm glad that they're starting to give up their "deal with the Devil"--in other words, they're giving up the money that they got from soda pop companies in exchange for allowing their vending machines to be placed on school grounds.

How would others be prosecuted there Billy Boy? Do you have any legal precedents? Most people cant control their own eating let alone someone else's.

Parents are responsible for their children, so they should feed the correctly to prevent those health problems later on.

It is not abuse, but it is not good parenting, after all the child is choosing to eat the foods, but the parent should step in

Im not sure but i know its a form of abuse. The most likely reason for it is because feeding a child is not seen as abuse but thats the only thing i can think of on the subject really.They even have a tv show about it.

It can be true for the parents as well. And the reason it is not because the parents are never reported until its to late then its your word against theirs....... So give the family services a heads up and report them.......

no it's what the child wants to eat

I think it should be. I've worked very hard with my children (5 & 6 now) to get them to eat a variety of healthy foods. I guess I'm lucky because they would prefer carrots and dip to a piece of cake or candy almost all of the time (I say almost because they are still kids and they do like chocolate).

I think parents who just let their kids eat whatever are just plain lazy. They say that their kids won't eat healthy foods. My mom's theory was that if they won't eat what you serve them - they'll eat at the next meal. Kids aren't stupid, they won't starve (especially when they are 1 - 3 yo). Older kids are just saying they don't like it, they won't eat it, etc because those who are raised on junk food, fried food, etc because at this point (i'm thinking those who are 14 and younger) they don't have to worry about their health and how it will affect them in the future. It is up to the parents to set a good example with their own eating and excerise habits. Its a shame that many don't do that.

It's not child abuse and it's a shame if the parent don't care what their kids are eating.I have health problems not from being obese but i clearly know not to eat the wrong foods.This will prolong my life a little longer.I don't understand why people do things that they can prevent.Children are the future and what a future it will be when these parents taught their kids this way and the kids will teach their kids that way too.I'm having that problem only my daughter she's 13 and use to sneaks food out the fridge when im sleeping.I can't put a lock on the fridge but now she see's a doctor and is into sports more.More activities and too bad some parents just don't care.

yes i think so, we live in a country that let's you blame the media, entertainers etc. for everything that concerns your child. BAD PARENTING IS THE PROBLEM. if your kid won't eat anything but Mcdonalds it's the parents fault. say no and stop being lazy make your family a home cooked meal

Not the best question I have read, Bill. I have read all of your questions and answers and am now certain that I AM more clever than you. This question smacks of legislating common sense, a typical attribute of those who share your misguided beliefs. Perhaps you can find a judge to buy your "make it illegal to give your kids ice cream" mentality.