What Happened to "Mary Had a Little Lamb"?
Contrary to popular belief, there are things I will not put in my mouth:
- dead animals of any kind
- partially hydrogenated oils
- trans fats (no, they're not the same thing)
- high fructose corn syrup
People act surprised when I'm equally picky about what my children eat. I love these two little guys more than life itself. Why would I shove unhealthy food down their throats?
Last night, my youngest sang a song he learned at school and I almost stroked out on everyone:
"Pizza Hut! Pizza Hut!
Kentucky Fried Chicken and Pizza Hut!
McDonald's!
McDonald's!
Kentucky Fried Chicken and Pizza Hut!
Burger King!
Burger King!
Taco Bell and Burger King!
Red Lobster and Taco Bell!
Dairy Queen, Dairy Queen!
Arby's and Dairy Queen!
Yum, yum, yum."
I realize it must be heard to be appreciated, or to induce a stomach ulcer, but I don't want to exploit my children by encouraging this kind of chanting ritual more than once.
Why are schools teaching children such a song? I'm afraid to ask and get labeled: That Mom. I don't want to overreact, but I read an article once about corporations targeting children because the Whining Factor pushes parents to purchase things they wouldn't otherwise buy just to shut up the kids. Whining doesn't bother me at all. I have a strong threshold and the boys can whine for days without affecting me in the least. I still can't help but wonder how many "donations" these fast-food chains made to my kids' elementary school to encourage teachers to teach new kinds of nursery rhymes.
The upside came when my oldest asked,
"What is Red Lobster and what do they eat there?"
We had a fun talk about how, as Jews, God forbids us to eat animals that eat fish-poop. We made up fun rhymes because nothing entertains kindergartners like potty talk at the dinner table. I can't wait for them to share their new songs with everyone today.
It's the little things that bring joy to a vegetarian's heart.
posted by kate @ 5:50 AM
9 comments
9 Comments:
"I don't want to overreact, but I read an article once about corporations targeting children because the Whining Factor pushes parents to purchase things they wouldn't otherwise buy just to shut up the kids. Whining doesn't bother me at all."
You are not overreacting! You are right on. Our children are being indoctrinated by the large food chains. If you haven't seen it yet, I recommend the film The Corporation (My blog has a link to the site). It will startle and anger you when you learn about how these PR and advertisement firms target kids. They have no conscience.
The schools are just as bad. They do not want to perform the work that is needed for good nutrition so they hire fast food restaurants or use food out of a box.
None of this is necessary. Schools can do better, but they don't.
I recommend that our kids brown bag it.
I did see The Corporation! It was great! And it further cemented my goal to raise independent-minded children and not tools of the consumer industry. So far so good.
My children's school is excellent - one of the best in the county. And I love love love their teachers. I just cringe when I see such commercialism.
Kate! Tell me what you feed to your kids that avoids the evils listed above? I have a hard time finding good stuff aside from raw veggies and organic apple juice. I imagine you must cringe when you walk down the aisle at the supermarket.
It can be challenging. I can remember back in Boston it was very difficult to find the right foods (if one is a non-cook like me :-); however, it is getting easier.
For b-fast: Kashi cereals, egg whites, tofu sausages, homemade pancakes/waffles, toaster pastries (organic), juice - prune mixed with oj (who taught me that??????)
lunch: egg salad/cheese sandwiches, veggie chips, natural apple sauce or fruit cups, cheese sticks, water, natural peanut butter and polaner all-fruit instead of jelly; wheat bread, etc.- lots of bottled water
dinner: pasta dishes, veggie burgers, natural french fries, tofu nuggets, bean dishes, burittos, chili, quesadillas (morningstar or boca have great tofu patties), giant salads, rice dishes, and organic macaroni and cheese - Target and local grocery stores have plenty of choices now plus organic milk
snacks: fat-free fig newtons, brach's has natural fruit snacks, Target has organic fruit strips, homemade cookies, ice cream, edy's popsicles are yummy, chips and salsa, regular fruits - lots of bottled or filtered water
I just feel better using these food items - organic whenever I can - and giving treats at special events or parties, etc. Looking back over this list - aren't you sorry you asked?
So was this song taught by the teacher or other kids? I fail to see the educational value of the song, forget about the comercialism. Isn't FCAT coming up? Shouldn't the teachers be focused on how to get the students to pass that test and make Jeb proud? I'm calling the FCAT police! You know schools only focus right now is teaching the test. Got to make that A! How do they have time to sing about fried chickens and tacos?
No, not at all! I did start eating this way back in Los Angeles, where tofu, soy and rice milk were actually hip.
As you know, Boston serves up grease ladden steak bombs and nasty stroke inducing items.
After seeing SuperSize Me, we tried to make radical changes overall. You're always had great discipline in this area. (Pickle and water anyone?)
Your list is helpful. I'm a frequent flyer at Target and will bring the list with me on the next trip :)
couldn't agree more. teaching the childrens proper eating habits now saves a life time of struggle with weight and disease. i eat animals that eat poop though...mmm poop.
A teacher's perspective: I've heard and witnessed this song as a music and movement activity to teach young kids how to do the following: make shapes with their bodies; arms, legs, etc...
imitate/watch and copy
get 'em up and moving
So, no worries folks, if used in the right context, it's just a fun song, and can also teach environmental print which is an early reading skill and a good one to have...shouldn't really teach or have any link to unhealthy eating. (just wait 'till they're teens, Kate, that will be the least worrisome of things they will be tempted by!)
PS Mary had a little lamb is boring.
While those places in the little song aren't exactly the healthest places to eat, please note, lobsters don't eat fish poop.
While the lobster has been called a scavenger, it actually prefers fresh food, though a whiff of lobster bait might belie that fact. Its diet typically consists of crabs, clams, mussels, worms, and an occasional sea urchin or slow-witted flounder. A lobster may eat up to 100 different kinds of animals, and occasionally eats some plants as well.
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