Healthy eating habits should be something instilled at a young age, but how far is too far when it comes to restricting what kids eat?

This young man has a mom who only allows fruits as snacks in their household.

His dad thinks she is being too strict with their teenage houseguest’s diet.

He doesn’t want to get involved, but his dad wants him to back him up.

Read the story below for all the details.

AITA for not taking part in my parents’ argument?

My (16M) parents’ best friends are currently working abroad.

They left their daughter Alice (13) with us.

My mom was a high school and college athlete. She has a shelf full of medals and trophies, and she still takes her physical fitness very seriously.

This young man’s mom only approves of fruits as snacks.

The issue is she strongly disapproves of the snacks in supermarkets.

She would tell us about her snacks back in her day.

Fresh fruits were the only snacks she and her friends on the track teams had.

“None of the chemical-filled, processed things,” as she describes them.

She’s restricted their houseguest’s snacks.

So, she only lets Alice have ice cream twice a month.

She allows her zero potato chips.

No cokes, Pepsi or other soda.

Only freshly squeezed juices.

His dad is worried that the mom might cause an eating disorder.

Dad was never worried about me, since I have always loved fruits.

I never seriously wanted any of the forbidden items.

But Alice is different.

He thinks Mom has taken it too far and could cause an eating disorder.

I personally think it might end up being the case.

But he didn’t want to get involved.

I am not really sure about it.

So my dad asked me to back him up, but I leaned back and said I really don’t want to get involved in this.

He said I should be more concerned about her mental well-being instead of just avoiding a difficult discussion.

That’s a tough decision. Considering Alice is their friend’s daughter, Alice’s parents should have some say in what she is and is not allowed to eat.

Let’s find out what others have to say about this on Reddit.

This user shares their personal thoughts.

Here’s another honest opinion from this person.

It’s not your job, says this user.

This person thinks it’s wise not to get involved.

Finally, short and straightforward advice.

Balancing physical and mental well-being can be tough.

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