Let Them Eat Cake!:: The Case Against Controlling What Your Children Eat

Pediatrician Klenman and child psychiatrist Jellinek believe that too many well-meaning parents take food and rules far too seriously for a child's own good. While the food choices children make are sometimes dreadful, parents should not act as food police. Instead, all would do well to place food choices in proper perspective: children are not middle-aged people, their nutritional needs are different from adults', food is (usually) not a life-and-death issue for them, and one or two not so nutritious meals will not hurt them. Therefore, suggest the authors, kids shouldn't worry about cholesterol or feel guilty because they enjoy a candy bar. Although some parents may believe otherwise, these doctors declare studies have shown that banning sweets is counterproductive. Children, they say, should be offered choices and encouraged to try new foods. This is a sensible, well-written and unhysterical approach to what some may consider a parental nightmare: children who have minds of their own when it comes to food. In addition to questions most often asked by parents, the authors also provide in-depth discussion of food safety, food allergies and eating disorders. (Oct.)