Who are our allies??

Sometimes parenting feels like we are at war with our environment and the pressures of life in order to create a safe healthy environment for our children to grow, develop, and explore. I feel like I am at war with TV because of the negative messages portrayed on the shows played on the children's channels. I am constantly having conversations with my kids about how TV characters are not real and Hanna Montana is not real even though she comes to town and has a sold out concert .How commercials are just over glamorized foods or toys that when you bring that stuff home it never looks like it did on TV. This war is a daily experience in my head because my children are not aware of the subconscious messages sent to them and I can see them so clearly.

Another war I have is regarding their diet- healthy vs. unhealthy foods and how to create a balance that does not place too much emphasis on food so it does not become an issue but enough importance so they learn how to make choices based on health rather than just pleasure. What environment promotes healthy eating? Cafeterias are filled with junk food and if I pack my kids lunches that are too healthy they will either throw it away or barter for better stuff.

Another side of this multi frontal war is the friendships my child is choosing- as he gets older he has more freedom to choose his friends however not all friends' parents have the same boundaries or values as I do. Some parents think it's OK for a 10 year old to watch R rated movies or play video games that are labeled mature- I disagree because I believe everything in life has its place and time and 10 year olds need to be outside playing and exploring, making up games, arguing, discovering who fouled and who did not rather than being exposed to age inappropriate material.

Who is on our side anymore? The side of parents who want the best for their children. There are people who wake up everyday and their sole mission is to get your child to eat stuff that is unhealthy or to buy a toy they do not need or to be someone who they are not- there are many many people who wake up with this mission. Who wakes up in the morning and their sole mission is to create family unity, harmony, and health? Who is out there concerned that our kids are protected and have an environment that enable them to grow up healthy, secure, and strong? It seems that Michelle Obama is taking on some initiative of the sort, and I am excited to hear more. However, as a parent I am inspired to create avenues where we feel supported, heard, and empowered to make healthy choices for our kids and live in a peaceful environment. I welcome your comments and opinions.