The word abuse has fearful connotations. We live in a society that sadly has become "obsessed" with playing blame-games. That's the real abuse!

Personally, I don't approve of overfeeding a child, a cat or a dog, but try telling that to an Italian mother! Pity the well-meaning mom (no matter how misled her intentions may be) who proceeds to lovingly lavish an extra heaping portion of potatoes or pasta on "not-so-little" dear Junior's plate. Some abuser! During the Great Depression of the lean 1930's she'd have been considered a hero, plump child or not! In many parts of the world even today, she'd be considered a hero, and her child, the envy of his village peers.

Consider this same woman being accused of abuse! Picture the tears in her eyes, her broken heart, her dear plump child wondering why? Why? How can you excuse a society who would instigate to abuse that family so? Think about it!

Obesity may be one thing, but broken and/or compromised families are quite another! Watch that child go on a self-inflicted eating binge to soothe his grief and confusion. Watch that mom develop sudden anorexia to compensate for her shame. Something far worse than a weight problem has been gained.

Words have the ability to heal or to harm. If you would fling the word "abuse" at someone, consider the harm. Wouldn't "overindulgent" be a better choice of words? How about "generous to a fault" - it is not hurtful or damaging, but gives the recipient constructive food for thought.

Obesity is best battled by education, not blame. Abuse (real or perceived) is not healed by abuse. There are so many options. The media, for one can be a fantastic tool for promoting healthy eating habits. Try teaching kids how to say "no", not just to drugs but to excessive food intake. Churches and synagogues can incorporate the concept of responsible food habits in their sermons. Anything, anything, rather than breaking that dear mother's golden heart and Junior's spirit.

Consider the greater evil. A great many more individuals have survived childhood obesity, than have survived the stigma of families that have been shot through the heart by the society they live in. The way society uses it today, abuse is a not so much a word as it is an arrow.

Learn more about this author, Violet Fortune.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Is it abuse to overfeed a child??
We want to hear your view. Write now!