Obese children in early childhood settings in Aotearoa, New Zealand

Welcome to my blog!

The social issue that I have chosen to explore and critically examine is: Child obesity in early childhood settings in New Zealand. Reasons for my choice come down to the strong feelings that I have about this increasingly huge issue that is seen across New Zealand, not only in early childhood settings. Every time this issue crosses my mind, my curiosity takes over and my thoughts are flooded with questions like: Why is it an issue? How has it become an issue? Who is responsible for this issue? And what small part can I as an early childhood teacher (still in training) do to contribute to the works of many who are trying to decrease this issue in early childhood settings?

Throughout my two years in early childhood settings I have seen first-hand and observed, on many occasions, numerous children who are overweight, and some who are even obese. However, lately, this social issue became of even greater concern to me when I was introduced to a young child approximately 18 months of age who was visiting the centre with her family. As soon as I saw the child, I knew they were undoubtedly obese. As I observed this child in the outside environment, it became clear to me the absolute crisis that obese children, families, and whānau have fallen into. It became apparent when this child could not even climb up the three steps which led to the slide due to their weight, nor could they climb up onto the fire engine which was easy for an average sized child. Reflecting on experiences like these, I have been prompted, by my curiosity, to delve deeper into researching, examining, and analysing this social issue that is effectively killing our future generations.

As my thoughts progress, I have come to the simple conclusion that the main people held responsible for their child's health are parents, whānau, or caregivers, as they nine times out of ten choose what their children eat. I also strongly feel that if the parent, whānau, or caregiver is overweight or obese, then it is likely that their children will be too, as their eating habits are reflected on their children (Koplan, Liverman & Kraak, 2005).

As I have begun researching this social issue, I have found many studies, including that of the New Zealand Health Survey which suggest that this issue regarding obesity, not only in adults, but also in children, has become a great concern of the government (Ministry of Education, 2006/07). This survey shows disgusting results stating that "One in four adults (aged 15 years and over) were obese ... One in twelve children (aged 2-14 years) were obese [and] One in five children were overweight" (Ministry of Health, 2008). These statistics come from our NEW ZEALAND population of approximately 4,000,000. Comparing this to our levels of obese children and adults, there is a clear sign that we do in fact have an issue regarding obesity across all ages in New Zealand.

In order to quench my curiosity and for reasons stated above, I will briefly examine the history of obesity in children and adults. I will be examining and analysing key statistics, from our own country New Zealand and others such as the United States of America and the United Kingdom, in order to support my discussion. The main focus of the rest of my blog will however be on obese children in early childhood settings. 

Lastly, a brief synopsis of my blog, as I endeavour through this issue, I will: discuss and analyse the history of adult and child obesity, examine, analyse and critique policies and legislation applicable to obese children in early childhood settings, discuss and examine the effects that food advertising and television have on children, and I will critically examine and discuss pedagogical implications for early childhood teachers.

References:

Koplan, J. P., Liverman, C. T., & Kraak, V. A. (2005). Preventing childhood obesity: Health in the balance. Washington, DC: National Academies Press.

Ministry of Health. (2008). A portrait of health: Key results of the 2006/07 New Zealand health survey. Wellington, New Zealand: Ministry of Health.