The problem with feeding a random child.



Why we should not simply feed a stranger's child
{via Ehow}
 Growing up in our culture and norms, food, seems to be something that we all cherish and respect. Food is considered a blessing, and anyone who has enough food to eat is usually perceived as happy and content.

We all appreciate food so much. Yes, it makes us all happy. So much do we love it, to a point where it is thought that ANY child will become happy and content if he is presented with food.

The gesture itself is sweet. You are happily munching on some cookie while waiting, or maybe enjoying some ice cream, when beside you there is this toddler curiously eyeing you and trying to make contact. You figured, oh well maybe she will enjoy a bit of my snack, she will be happy. I am such a sweet person to share my food. Right?

WRONG!

Please…………..

To me, randomly feeding a child of a stranger is totally wrong. To a certain extent it is kind of disrespectful towards the parents, because the child is not under your responsibility.

If there is a list of things that bugs me about Malaysian, this one would definitely make the list. That we are all are not sensitive enough to a child’s needs and condition, choosing to ignore that each of a child carries a different set of needs. Yes I know that we are compassionate people, but sometimes we have to learn the right way to show it.

What would you do when suddenly after you gave the child a bite of your cookie, out of nowhere she collapses? Or suddenly she turns blue, and shaky…..or maybe their faces starts to swell?

These are all signs of anaphylactic shock. A condition of an allergy reaction to the food she just consumed. It is actually potentially lethal, if not attended to immediately. The child could be allergic to dairy foods, nuts (even small traces of it), or maybe others which sometimes we do not have any idea of.

You may say that I am overreacting, but bad things like this do happen. In some developed countries, strict measures are even taken to avoid these things from happening, such as having an allergy bracelet and enforcing regulations in daycares and schools to not let children take allergy inducing foods to class.

Yes I agree that parents are fully responsible of their children, however would it not be a better place if we all REALLY care for each other?

So the next time you think of offering a snack at a child, at least, take the courtesy to ask for the parent’s permission, before stuffing it into their tiny innocent mouths.

Or best, just try not to do it at all. Maybe just a smile and some funny faces will do :)

Does your child have an allergy? These allergy labels is a brilliant way to keep people informed about her condition.

Comments

Unknown said…
One of the many posts I like from your blog. Well said dear! :)
Ayuni A. said…
Thanks Aim! :)

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