CAUTION - This blog is a TRRB Entry.

Caution - This Blog is a TRRB entry.

TRB = Totally Rhetorical and Random Blog.  

I have a couple of things on my mind today, and since I was unable to remain focused on only one - I am writing about both in condensed versions.  Lots of questions from me, no need to answer them -- not sure there ARE any answers.

First up:  HOMECOMING ROYALTY.  

I don't get it.  Why does this practice continue?  For that matter, how did it get started?  The parading around of the beautiful few who are candidates, followed by a vote of the student body in order to choose The One.  The purpose of which is what?  So that 4 (maybe 6) teenagers in the entire school (the duke/duchess, prince/princess, and king/queen) can have their few moments of glory?

Ew.

What about all the other students who are JUST as important, but don't get the votes?  The message that seems to be broadcasted is one of "look who is popular" and "so sorry you aren't".  In our public school arena where we are CONSTANTLY bombarded with how FEELINGS matter, why don't we take into consideration the feelings of those not chosen?  

What about the instances when the candidates are included as a twisted inside joke put on by the student body?  That has made the news more than once, even as recently as this month.  Hasn't the coronation process had its day in glory so we can move on now?

Now, before you think that I have some sour grapes, I want the record to show that I was part of the homecoming royalty in my high school.  It was stupid then, and it remains stupid now.  Even then, I felt badly for the ones who were not selected.  The whole process seemed hurtful and like a popularity parade.

I have asked the local administration why we continue the practice, and the reply was that there are parents out there who want it.  Along with, "it is a tradition".  Well, I have not yet found ANY parents who want it to continue.  Granted, I tend to hang with people of similar mind, so my polling group is skewed.  And, as far as the "tradition" thing?  Well, many things were a tradition (i.e.: slavery, hazing, pep club, senior skip day) until someone said "no more".  

If we can't do away with the royalty thing, then let's change the requirements.  Make it service oriented as opposed to self-glorification.  The current requirement locally is that the student be involved in at least one activity in the school.  How about we change that to the student must be involved in one COMMUNITY SERVICE focused activity?  Or has to have recorded a certain number of service hours for a charity.  Wouldn't it be fun to see the youth who serve our community receive the honor?  Or, to hear someone say, "I have to serve in the community so I can run for Homecoming Court."  Now, that would be a new twist!

And my next rant….

Feeding the Teenager - Confusion/Frustration/Any Suggestions?

Kids and Food choices are a constant struggle for parents.  We want them to make healthy choices.  They want to eat junk.  The marketing is in their favor…. from fast food giants to all the pre-packaged fun-looking-not-real-food choices that are paraded in front of our kids every minute of the day via our media.  Parents have to educate not only themselves, but then fight the battle against the norm to get their kids to make healthy choices.

When they are little, the picky eater refuses to eat what is put in front of them.  But, the parent remains in control by what they can offer.  A two-year-old isn't going to be at a sporting event, or drive themselves to the store where all sorts of other food options abound.  The choices for the toddler are limited to what the parent offers.  

But the teenager?  UGH!!  They get to make their own choices.  And, they are no longer under the control of mom and dad when it comes to many things - food included.  They are at the game, hanging with friends, at work, at school, all sorts of places where an insane list of choices for food present opportunities for bad choices.

It makes me yearn for that picky toddler who wouldn't eat his vegetables at lunch, but would happily snack on them later for a snack.  

What do we do as parents with all the food choices for our kids?  And it isn't just the food pyramid any more.  Paleo?  Gluten free?  Vegetarian?  Vegan?  High Fat Low Carb?  It makes my head spin.  And, the recommendations by the "experts" add to the confusion (the food pyramid/plate).  What is suggested as healthy in one study is disproven in another study.  Add into the mix the array chemicals, the GMOs and the organic vs. not organic choices, and a person could lose their appetite!

Nobody wants their kids to be unhealthy.  Or fat.  The health consequences and social stigma are a significant deterent.  But, nobody wants someone else telling us what to feed our kids, either.  I know I don't want that.  I want to educate myself and make my own decisions based on what I have learned.  (and what I have learned could fill another entire blog!)  

But, back to getting our teenagers to follow the requests we make.  I have three teenagers.  My hubby and I have gone through a weight-loss and are in an ongoing weight "maintenance".  I have learned more about different calories, the types of foods, and how the body processes them than I ever thought I would want (or need) to know.  And, now I want to share that info with my teenagers so that they don't end up at their adult life where I was -- with a bunch of weight to remove.

Alas, how do I speak their language?  If I make suggestions, they are offended.  If I try to have healthy choices in the pantry, they can just as easily go out and purchase their own.  (I find the wrappers later!)  If I comment about their choices, I get the sigh-eye-roll.  I don't want to scar their mental health by giving them a complex on their weight…. but, I do want to be sure they understand the consequences of their choices.  I provide information (online and printed) about how food choices impact a person's mood, a person's skin, and even their longevity.  They don't seem to care.

I'm not talking about the occasional treat.  I'm talking about the desire on their part to have a daily intake of what is not in their best interest.  The natural desire for a teen to make their own choices is good.  I want them to grow into adults who can think on their own.  But, I also want them to make informed choices.  It is a delicate balance to achieve.  Keeping them informed without creating any damage.  How do you get your teenagers to make healthy food choices?  I always welcome suggestions.

Random blogging now complete.  :-)  Thanks for reading.