So, you are ready to make some changes in your family's diet. You've heard and
read enough to know that eating Real Food is important to your family's health
and happiness. You know what your kids eat when they are young not only affects
their health now, but also in the future. You are feeling good about your
decision. Your intuition is supporting you. The science is behind you.
Unfortunately, your kids are not on the same page.
They are complaining about the fresh fruit. They practically 'throw-up' seeing
anything green on their plates, and they're secretly calling Grandma to tell her
about this unfair abuse. Don't despair. It's temporary. It might be intense, but
it's almost always temporary. Stick to your goal of creating a healthier and
happier family, and stay connected with other moms who are doing the same thing.
The following ideas help hundreds of moms get through the bumps of changing
their children's diets. The more you do to educate and involve them, no matter
what their ages, the greater the chances your journey will be a little smoother.
Educate your children, without making a really big deal about the changes. Talk
about how, just like a car needing good gas, our bodies run the best when they
have the nutrients they need. A car would break down if you put something
besides fuel in the tank. The same with our bodies when we put too many
anti-nutrients in.
Borrow some books from the library that have great charts, illustrations and
pictures about the body's amazing parts. Talk with your children about how they
can keep their body working the way it is supposed to if they give it the right
fuel.
Have them help pack lunches and snacks, and help cook. It takes longer, but if
you have the time, it's really worth it. Talk about the colors and textures of
the food. The phytonutrients, found in those deep bright colors, are nutrients
that will help strengthen your child's immune system. You can download our free
color chart to help you with this.
Consider setting up a two-bite rule and the food has to make it down to the
tummy. Explain that their taste buds may need to adapt to the new flavors. It
takes many, many times of eating the same food for some children to accept the
taste.
Read Eat Healthy, Feel Great, by Dr. William Sears. Talk about the differences
between the nourishing food at home and the party food that is available at
parties. Discuss how eating 'party' foods all the time will make their bodies
break down eventually.
Relate their performance at school and in sports and hobbies to the foods they
eat. They will think better and focus longer when their brains are nourished.
They will run faster and jump higher when their muscles get the food they need.
Be on the lookout for older role models to point out to your kids - ones that do
take care of themselves physically.
Talk with your pre-teen and teenager about how food affects his or her
appearance and mood. Make a plan to go on a sugar-fast together for two weeks
and see what changes you each experience. Talk about it each day to see if they
are experiencing detox symptoms and cravings so you can help them understand
their bodies are trying to get healthier and the cravings are because they are
hooked on sugar. Once it is cleared, they will begin to feel better.
Monitor how much candy, pop, cookies, muffins and other non-nutrient foods your
children are being offered at school, church, friends' homes, etc. It is your
right and responsibility to say something if you prefer your child not to have
those foods.
If your children are resistant, try to breathe and do your best. The moment we
give in to demands for something else to eat or for sugar, they know we are not
so serious about making changes. Be consistent, just like with all other
parenting decisions, and your kids will take you seriously and know that you
truly value their health and happiness.
TV Diners: New research shows that half of UK families spend mealtimes on the
couch in front of the TV. TV diners
At what age should children be allowed to cycle unsupervised? How do we keep
them safe? Includes details of Streetwise's safety bus roadshow this
summer (UK) Cycling safety tips for parents
Win a sample copy of Kerwhizz magazine - just play the online quiz and register
your details! Win a sample Kerwhizz magazine
BiCŪKids has launched a nationwide competition to keep kids entertained over the
summer holidays. The BiC Picture
Though most of us will tell our babysitters to call if they need anything, I do
not know many people who really want their cell phones ringing three or four
times a night while out at dinner, a movie, a party etc. By leaving the
babysitter the information contained in this article, you will decrease your
chances of having your night out interrupted by phone calls with questions about
how to turn the DVD player on or what snacks are allowed before bed. A Babysitter Checklist - Everything She
Will Need To Know
Use it or lose it! If you don't use your brain for a long time, it might lose
some of it sharpness - and this is what often occurs during the summer
break. Find out how you can help your kids retain what they have learned in the
previous year! Stop Summer Brain Drain In
Your Kids
