Remember the last time you watched Saturday morning cartoons with the kids?  Were you struck by the feeling that a disproportionate number of the advertisments were admonishing your children to eat more junk?  Well, it turns out your paranoia was justified.  A recent study by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that children ages 8-12 are exposed, on average, to 21 junk food commercials a day, or 7,600 a year!  Its no wonder that childhood obesity and juvenile onset diabetes are so prevalent.  Because of this constant negative exposure it is more important than ever for parents to take an active role in counciling thier children on proper dietary habits.  This also means that parents must make an effort to educate themselves.  Remeber, young children will eat what you present them with, so make sure that your decisions are informed.  If instilled early, good eating habits will benefit your children their whole lives through.