To not want dd doing this homework?

[upsideup]

DD2(11) is in Y7. Homework she's been set is to record everything she eats over 3 day's, discuss how well balanced each day's diet is making links to the eat well plate and then to write a one day meal plan you could follow to make your diet healthier.

I feel really uncomfortable about her doing this and it being set to this age group. At 11 it's surely the parent's responsibility to be providing a healthy diet and the children shouldn't be worrying about what they are eating and if it is healthy enough. I can also imagine it will create the perfect opportunity for kids to compare and be unkind about what and how much someone else is eating and also for some to become obsessed with counting what they are eating or feel they have to lie or change their diet.

AIBU to think this is a bad idea to set to 11/12 year old? Would anyone else be uncomfortable with it?

I have struggled with eating disorders in the past so willing to accept that I am over thinking and projecting my own feeling's.

Yabvu!! Of course children should learn what makes a balanced diet and how to take care of themselves nutritionally. Might have less obesity if people are educated from a younger age.

yes, I think you are projecting your own feelings. this is not an unreasonable assignment. you might be feeding your daughter a healthy and balanced diet some parents will not be. and unless the school have the opportunity to put the counter view to these pupils they will go on having an unhealthy diet. have you discussed your eating disorders with your daughter?

I would have no problem with this. I believe the younger children learn/ are taught about a balanced diet the better. It can lead to a healthy relationship with food, and t understand the on going health benefits of eating a nutritious and balanced meal.

At what point do you think the topic of healthy eating could safely be introduced?? in another few years she will be leaving home and in charge of her own diet. You haven't said they have to think about calories - only whether the diet is balanced in terms of including 5 a day, different food groups etc. I would be fine with it, mine have done similar in primary school.

I see your point about the homework but this

it's surely the parent's responsibility to be providing a healthy diet and the children shouldn't be worrying about what they are eating and if it is healthy enough

Is very unreasonable. Children should be encouraged to take an active role in their diet and health, plus by that age children are often buying food at school or on the way home and should be encouraged to make good choices!

YABVVVU.

This is exactly the time to be talking about healthy, nutritious living. And in a fun way... not in a horrible lecture. They need to learn. Avoiding the issue is worse than facing it head on.

This homework isnt about calorie counting its about understanding a healthy balanced diet that involves fruit/veg/complex carbs/protein/fat etc

Yes in a word you are projecting your eating issues here

YABU.

Of course children should be aware of healthy eating.

YABVU. This is an important life skill.

Yabu -we do this but don’t necessarily ask students to share results.

I definately agree that children should be learning about healthy eating, it's just the idea of them having to record everything they eat, really think about on how healthy/unhealthy it is and then bring it is for everyone else to judge and compare that worries me.

Really?! Surely this is very important for children to know? Otherwise how can they make good choices if they are not informed? So when they go out for a meal with friends or decide which snack to have at home? At that age I would want them to have some understanding about what contributes to good health.

Your daughter's diet over the next few years will set her on a path for the rest of her life. Of course she must learn about her nutrition.

YANBU if the homework involves talk of calories, suggests restricting or labelling foods as good and bad, or any kind of shaming. The Eatwell plate does not take in to account individuals needs so should be used as a guide.
If it is approached sensitively there's nothing wrong with it and I think you are on high alert because of your own ED.

That sounds like excellent homework. I'm very impressed the school are setting work around this. YABVVVVVVU.

My dd also in year 7 has been doing similar. Thought it was a good idea. They also use the myfitnesspal app in PE.

Yabu. This is homework and at 11 she is on the cusp of having more control over her own food choices, especially if she’s going to school with money. She needs to learn about healthy food.

A bit worrying that you think it’s a bad idea. Children need to understand what they are eating and the impact of that.

If you're worried about comparisons and potential bullying address your concerns to the teacher. Clearly it's good time for children to learn what goes into their food, what makes a healthy diet, how much it costs etc.
And about time they learnt to cook for themselves/make their own lunchboxes/take responsibility for their eating - and discuss with you what they like and want to eat.

I'd have a huge issue with this, but only because I suffered from anorexia as a teen and there's been shown to be a strong genetic component to it.

It's encouraging students to reflect on healthy choices.

You are projecting your issues here (though it's understandable why).

The open discussion/comparison is a minefield surely?

It's making the topic accessible and thought provoking -more of it not less!

If your kid eats healthily then what is there to judge?

Is there a reason you are personally worried?

I think it's great! It will also make parents think about it when they see it on a paper.