If saturated fat is “bad fat” why should I give it to my kids?

Heather,
I have a nutritional question for you- oh wise one...i’ve asked Doctors, and emailed other nutrition "experts” and no one has clarified a thing.So I turn to you.I’m led to believe that Saturated fat is bad. But young children should drink whole milk, rather than 1%/skim. My math says that if saturated fat is bad for people, it should be even worse for young kids since it's more of their diet and because of their size. You would think young children should be encouraged to drink milk with less saturated fat.What gives?

Very good question… Toddlers (up to 2 years old) grow very fast and their brains are continuing to develop. Extra fat and calories are need to support this growth. (more fat = more calories). Children need a small amount of saturated fat to develop properly. Whole milk is an easy way to be certain that the toddler is getting enough to grow well. A toddler should only drink 2 cups of whole milk daily. So much like everything else-its about balance too much of a good thing isn't good!The American Academy of Pediatrics now says if between 12 months and 12 years, and the toddler has certain risk factors (overweight or obese, or those who have a family history of obesity, high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease) the use of reduced-fat milk would be appropriate.