The government needs to allocate more funds for programs such as its “Five A Day” campaign to promote healthy eating. Forcing food companies to balance unhealthy messages with healthy ones will help even out this lopsided advertising expenditure; but without taking further action the government is neglecting that it is under their guidelines that food companies are able to operate and make billion dollar profits. $9.55 million promoting fruits and vegetables is a joke when compared to the $11.26 billion spent by the food, candy, beverage and restaurant industry in 2004.

Obviously, it would also be the government’s responsibility to ensure the food industry operates in accordance to the regulations previously stated. It is their job to regulate the food advertising industry as it exists only in accordance with national trade laws and regulations.

Local governments should revise zoning laws to permit construction of more sidewalks, parks, bike paths, and playgrounds. Many children lack a proper place to safely exercise, this would solve that problem, while also promoting exercise in the community… Read more

A child develops in many different ways during the first eight years of their life. The often quoted “First 5″ mantra has been recently expanded to the first eight years. During these eight years, a child develops socially, physically, intellectually, creatively and emotionally at a tremendously greater pace than at any other time of their life. This is when it is of the utmost importance for parents to do whatever they can to help with the development of their child.

• Socially – Your child will begin to form attachments, play with others, learn to share, and be able to create lasting relationships with others.
• Physically – Development of your child’s motor skills takes shape. Play is very important, as it stimulates these motor skills to properly develop.
• Intellectually – Your child will begin to question things in the world around them. This is when the ability to process information and make sense of it starts to take shape.
• Creativity – Your child will begin to exhibit creativity, often artistically, musically or in other “left brain” activities.
• Emotionally – Your child will begin to learn how to understand their own feelings and emotions, and start to develop self-awareness and self-confidence.

As a parent you have to recognize your role as teacher, and your child’s role as your “young pupil”. With this understanding of your role, development will be far more productive.