Researchers at Children’s Hospital in Seattle said yes. “Children are raised not only at homes but also in their communities” said Dr. H. Mollie Greves Grow, MD MPH, of Seattle Children’s Hospital  in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Grow noted that, disadvantaged neighborhoods may present many obstacles for children’s weight, such as less access to healthy foods and more to unhealthy fast-food outlets. She added. “A disadvantaged environment can set families up for ill health, and it’s unfair to blame them for not taking enough ‘personal responsibility’ to manage their weight. We don’t yet know all of the factors that may create disadvantages, but we know it is present and associated with higher obesity.”

In my many years of coaching I have worked with many families from different socioeconomical  background and  have seen the differences and traits between them. It is a prime example of differences between ‘the haves’ and ‘have nots’. I concur with their findings that families living in higher socioeconomical communities often have less issues with childhood obesity than families living in lower income neighborhoods. Communities that have access to and can afford the accalades of an improved social environment often have way less prevalences of childhood obesitity while across the tracks in areas where there is less access to healthy foods and more to unhealthy fast-food joints and places to play you will often find a higher rate of obesity among children and teens. 

What can be done?  Parents, teachers, coaches, preachers, pastors, community leaderers can become active mentors for the kids in their communities.  Local organization’s can also participate by creating partnerships with schools, cummunity service organiations and other groups that are focused on families and children.  It may be a challenging endeavor but nonetheless it can be done.

What can you do as a parent? Your options are limitless.  For example, you can be deligent about what foods are in your home and how your child eat, you can play an active role in your child’s lifestyle, you can be a role model and lead by example. Don’t be afraid to get involved. It may seem a bit overbearing but consider the alternative. Every person is ultimately responsible for what happens to them. Their decisions can be influenced by  the environment they live in as well as the relationship they have with others.

Can a village raise a healthy child? What’s your opinion?