How I eat might be making my kids fat

It appears my kids could be in for dietary doom.

New research led by the University of Guelph says children copy their dad’s eating habits, not their mom’s.

And the findings of the Guelph Family Health Study are said to underscore previous studies showing obese dads have a greater chance of having obese children. Yikes!

I carry far too many extra pounds, and when it comes to my eating, my children have witnessed a lot.

I generally watch what I eat and I’m attempting to lose some tonnage, but there are times when my friend Will Power abandons me and I succumb to cravings.

So my young ’uns have watched the destruction that happens when I’m confronted by a pizza the size of an industrial floor mat.

They’ve been passengers during my drive-thru diversions and overheard affirmative answers when the teenaged voice in the little speaker asks, “Would you like to megasize that?”

And they’ve seen what happens when a bowl of Sour Cream and Onion Ruffles enters my personal airspace.

Come to think of it, the Buffet Ballet is the only bad eating habit of mine they haven’t experienced. That sees me dancing gleefully back for seconds or thirds. (Ironically, we won’t take our kids to a buffet because they don’t eat enough to justify the price.)

Like most parents, I strive to be a positive role model for my kids, teaching them right from wrong, to be honest, to respect others, to value hard work, not to like the Montreal Canadiens, etc.

I had no idea my weight or occasional transgressions were having a negative impact on them.

That it could lead to obesity and cause them physical problems down the road makes me feel guilty, that I’ve failed them a little.

My kids aren’t obese, but apparently my habits could steer them down that road.

“It’s important for men to take a leadership role in their health and in that of their children,” Wayne Hartrick said in a release.

I’ve got an older brother Wayne who has terrorized me since birth so I generally don’t trust guys with that name.

But I’ll believe this Wayne because he’s president of the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation, which emailed me about the Guelph findings.

“This research suggests if a dad eats poorly, his children have a higher risk of having poor nutrition and weight issues,” Wayne continues, “so we want men to understand that being a good dad also means being a healthy dad.”

As if today’s parents never had enough stress on them – “In App Purchases” anyone? – I guess I’ve got to do better, to be healthier.

I’ll get right on it, after I finish the Father’s Day feast they’re upstairs preparing.

“like most parents, i strive to be a positive role model for my kids, teaching them right from wrong, to be honest, to respect others, to value hard work, not to like the Montreal canadiens, etc.”