All this TIME magazine hoopla got me thinking about the philosophies and politics of mothering.  Simply put, how do we discuss or share our parenting philosophies with others without looking opinionated and judgemental?  Is it possible?  Did Jamie Lynne even stand a chance given the chosen cover photo or that controversial headline?  Is holding a view that is different from some of your mommy friends automatic grounds for tension?  Can we agree to disagree on subjects that we hold so dear?

We all have different ways of nurturing, nourishing, and raising our children.  We all make choices about how to live our lives – What we eat, how we exercise, if we exercise, how we love, who we love, what we learn, how much me learn, where we go, where we work.  We have different sets of priorities.  Most of which we are extremely passionate about and for good reason.

This is me…

My priority is health.  Health for my children, health for my family, health for myself, health for others, health for the planet.  Every single day I ask myself how I can contribute to keeping my children healthy and happy.  Every single day I try to educate myself on a topic whether it be agriculture, politics, chiropractic, health care, pharmaceuticals, supplements, yoga, etc.

From the food we eat to the products we buy to the relationships we build to the love we give – all of the choices we make affect our lives and the lives of others, especially children.

In America today, the rate of chronic disease among children has more than doubled in the past two decades from 11% in the 1990’s to over 25% in the year 2006 according to the Journal of the American Medical Association.  And it’s only getting worse.

According to the 2010 Drug Trend Report, prescription drug use among American children rose by 5% in 2009.  The highest of any other single demographic for the second year in a row.  The report found that more than 1 in 4 insured children are now taking at least one prescription medication to treat a chronic condition such as diabetes, asthma, autism, ADHD, cancer, and arthritis.  The most significant increases over the past 9 years have been seen in the use of antipsychotic, asthma, and diabetes drugs.  There was a HUGE increase (over 150%) in diabetes over the decade seen especially in girls (a 200% increase).  Higher rates in obesity, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), autism, and ADHD have all contributed to significant increases in drugs approved for younger patients.

Bottom line: Our kids are sick.

We need a grassroots movement to change the health landscape in this country.  It needs to start with the foundation and core of our society – OUR FAMILIES.  We NEED to educate ourselves and do all we can to stop this insanity.  We have the POWER to take back our children’s health.

The dilemma…

How do we as moms encourage such debates with our mommy friends?  Or do we avoid them simply to not look like know-it-all’s?  Should our passion for health and wellness be put aside to keep the peace?  Isn’t it about time we engage adults and children in topics relevant to living healthy, happy lives?

If our American way of life fails the child, it fails us all. ~Pearl S.Buck.

What do you think?

lisa