Are American parents too lenient with their kids these days?  That’s what many experts are debating lately, and they aren’t just talking about those moms and dads who fail to discipline their tots when they go running amok in the supermarkets — it’s a whole host of other faults researchers are finding with modern parents, and their effects on the kids and the future of the entire country could be devastating.  One reason is that students in other countries, especially in countries considered to be “in competition” with the U.S. in terms of education, are given greater responsibilities at younger ages than are American kids.  They are held to higher standards, are coddled less, and their parents do not automatically defend all of their actions when contested by other adults in positions of authority.  In American culture, parents are much more likely to be hostile towards police, teachers, doctors, and any other professionals who have anything less than perfect to say about their little angels, and it’s turning our kids into underachieving narcisists, according to some.

Being a busy mom is never easy, and we all know that all moms are busy moms.  There’s scheduling, taking care of the kids and pets, and keeping up with endless piles of laundry to consider.  But above all the other concerns for moms who answered a recent survey, the one that looms largest on the busy mom radar is the question of how to insure they are feeding their kids nutritious, safe meals.  Often, the ingredients most typically encountered in supermarkets are not the best foods for us.  So how can you be sure the food you are feeding your family is packed with nutrition instead of additives or GMOs?

Most moms tend to stay extremely busy over the course of one day.  I know for my family mornings are hectic trying to get everyone ready and out the door.  In the afternoons I put on my taxi driver hat and chauffeur the kids to hobbies and sporting events.  Then in the evenings during homework time, I am not only a tutor but a chef as well.  Now please do not get me wrong, I love being able to be there for my children and wear all of my many hats.  Cooking and cleaning and driving around just come with the mom territory, but I do need my time to unwind and relax just like anyone else.  That time for me is usually when the kids are off to bed and I have a few minutes to spare before my own bedtime.  So, how do I relax?

David Share, vice chairman of the Michigan State Medical Society, believes that diet is more important than exercise in combating childhood obesity.

“Hands down — it’s about what you eat,” he said.

Meals provided in schools must meet federal requirements set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National School Lunch Program.  This is true for all states, but decisions about exact food choices and preparation methods are made by local school boards, according to USDA officials.