Can we please all agree to make this post a non-judgmental space today? Just like most other parents I am simply trying to do the best I can, and just like most parents—I do not claim to have all the answers. And as a result of some recent non-judgmental and constructive feedback from blog readers, I've been doing some thinking...and my thoughts are this: I never want my daughters to have to worry about food (or anything for that matter).
People sometimes imply that allowing your children to have free rein on junk food means "letting your kid be a kid," but in reality I think they are confusing "eating junk food" with the happy-go-lucky, carefree feeling we often see in children. And in my opinion there are many ways to achieve that bliss, which I can assure you, is not only from junk food.
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But I am the first to admit it's not easy to constantly find that fine line between standing up for what you believe in (nourishing my children with the healthiest foods on the planet!) and also not being too uptight. Whether we like it or not, there is a social aspect to junk food. I tell my husband all the time "we've been there done that" ...therefore I don't care if I never again chow down on a Little Debbie Snack, a box of Nerds, or a Push Up (really, I don't). But my children have not had the same experiences as me and no matter how much they "understand" why those foods are unhealthy who can blame them for wanting to see what they are all about? They are literally surrounded by this stuff on a regular basis - just look at school lunch rooms, TV commercials, and even check-out lines at the store.
The Feedback I Couldn't Ignore
Aside from our 100-day pledge (which ended in 2010) we have never been fully restrictive on what our girls can and can't eat. We certainly eat almost all "real food" at home, but now that our pledge is over our children indulge in processed "treats" at birthday parties, school celebrations, friend's houses, etc. I certainly wish they weren't offered junk food at so many events, but this is reality and I try not to stress about it (although I have become more involved at their school in hopes of continuing to see positive changes there). We also usually offer our girls a "once a week treat," which is pretty much the only time we eat any big sweets (other than a super dark chocolate square), but more often than not they have junk food elsewhere so others were almost always beating me to the punch when it came treat time. This means our treats together as a family didn't happen very often—or if they did my daughters would have to decide to forgo a treat that was being offered to them by someone else. Watching them make these decisions is what started bothering me deep down.
Then it just so happens that last weekend we had the chance to buy our kids their weekly treat, and by request we headed out for donuts (which I shared with this picture on Facebook). It was on that post where an interesting discussion started.
Although I can't always sit down and read every single comment personally anymore—I do read a lot of them and value what our readers have to say. And I certainly did not overlook the comment from Erin that said, "Actually, excessive discussion of 'good' food and 'bad' food can play a large role on eating disorders." Nor did I overlook the New York Times article that Marie shared that is entitled, "What’s Eating Our Kids? Fears About ‘Bad’ Foods." Then (as if I didn't already have my knickers in a twist enough) a kind reader emailed me personally and said:
"When I see your daughter questioning her food, I am encouraged by her awareness, but also concerned. I did the same thing, and my mom—who was also hyper-aware of food (and for good reason!)—encouraged this in me. I eventually become afraid of the food and restricted anything that wasn't 'healthy' —until nothing was (at the same time I over-exercised, because exercise was healthy too). It all made sense—until it didn't. I just encourage you, from the bottom of my heart, to be careful and aware and honest—but also leave some space for 'food to be food'—that's become my mantra." - 100 Days of Real Food Reader
Our Outlook Going Forward
I can truthfully tell you I have never even dabbled in eating disorders, although I (unfortunately) know many friends who have. Therefore I am no stranger to the subject and it's of course not something I would ever want my daughters to struggle with. So literally right then and there I had a discussion with my husband and we agreed to make a slight change. As soon as my daughters came home from school I told my 2nd grader, "We've decided that you can eat the foods you are offered (within reason) when you are not at home, and they will not count as your 'once a week treat.' The weekly treats we will buy or make together as a family will happen no matter what. Mommy feeds you so much good, real food at home and that's where you eat most of the time. You are such a healthy girl who is an excellent eater and also gets plenty of exercise so eating junk food at school or with friends once or twice a week could never erase that. Now eating cupcakes everyday (or twice a day) would not be a good thing, but a couple times a week is nothing for anyone to worry about." And you know what, in the grand scheme of things—even though my daughters have their moments of course—they both really are super good eaters. They eat a wide variety of whole foods including lots of vegetables and are also fairly willing to try new things. So I wasn't just talking the talk with her—even with highly processed junk food often feeling like my personal nemesis, I truly believe that eating it on occasion will not erase all that goodness.
And interestingly enough, even though my daughters have honestly never verbalized a complaint about our frequency of treats before, my 8-year-old seemed to really understand what I was telling her and even acted a little happy about this change. My kindergartner is still oblivious to quite a lot and frankly doesn't even know what day it is half the time, so I spared her this "talk" because I didn't think she'd even notice the difference at her age. But I do think what will go even further than this change is for me to (continue to) not act like the occasional junk food they eat is the end of the world (i.e. no guilt trip) while still educating them in a casual, non-threatening manner. I have also always been super careful about never criticizing my body in front of them, and I think that is another very important part of raising daughters with a healthy image as well. Now this parenting gig is something I am figuring out as I go (just like everyone else!) so we may continue to make adjustments as we move forward...but I can say that I do feel good about our renewed direction.
So today my 8-year-old came home from school and announced, "I had 3 oreos at lunch since it was a friend's birthday." Then she told me, "I read the ingredients, too." And I said with a surprise, "Oh really, what did it say?" then with a laugh she said "I don't remember." Sounds like we are on the right track with having a carefree, worry-free kid who is slightly more aware than the others. :)
Lyndsay says
I am very impressed by your openness in this post. In this electronically social world it is becoming increasingly more difficult to be a parent. We are constantly bombarded by judgment which causes us to feel guilty about almost everything we do as parents. The reality is the best parents are the ones that do what's right for their family no matter what other people think. And knowing that you have to continually change and modify your parenting choices will ensure your family stays strong, happy and healthy. Way to go!
Becky says
Teaching them moderation in all things is an excellent way to help them develop healthy lifestyle choices. "Too much of a good thing", over-focusing, can lead to obsession, then compulsion. Good for you for recognizing the need to teach them judgment and not to worry about every speck that is in the food that they might get elsewhere. Do what you can, and relax. It will help them know that you trust them.
JoAnna Courtenay says
What an awesome mommy you are!
Our job as parents is not as so many of us think to raise responsible well adjusted people,but rather to do our best job giving our darlings the tool and skills to succeed at that. Congratulations you are doing great!
Kathy says
A wonderful blog topic.
Before I read this, I read the Food Babe's post about her dining experience in S.E. Asia, and when she was talking about the MSGs in food, etc, I thought to myself, "what if her and her husband had eaten that food for a week? Would they keel over dead?"
Unless there is a specific allergy, I doubt if they would have noticed if the food was GMO.
I try to avoid it for the long haul, but I don't think a week of eating that way would be harmful.
Miss Lisa, you are setting a wonderful example for your girls, and I applaud your efforts to raise healthy, well adjusted children!
Amy says
Thanks for the great post! I love your site and the blogs you wrote. I've learned a lot!
Katie says
Thank you for this post, as I am in remission from an eating disorder that held a death grip on me from 8th grade through grad school. I have a daughter now, so think often about how to convey that certain foods offer our body more nutrients than others and some foods contain potentially harmful ingredients, but no food is "bad" or "good".
By way of gentle conversation, could I ask you to reconsider your wording of not having dabbled in eating disoders? EDs are not diets gone too far, though people can certainly engage in disordered eating behaviors without having the criteria for a DSM diagnosis. One can no more dabble in ED than one can dabble in depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, etc. I hope this is taken as I intend it- a gentle suggestion from someone sensitive to the topic because of personal experience. Thank you for your writing and sharing!
Lisa says
Katie - The only thing I meant by not having "dabbled" is that I never even tried it once. I think some try to make themselves throw up then decide it's not for them - I am not one of those people. That's all there was too it. No offense intended.
Jenn says
I'm still a little worried for your girls.
I don't think it's normal for an 8 year old to be reading ingredient labels. It sounds like she's trying so hard to please you by telling you her food choices, classifying them as good and bad. Her concern and desire to please you by limiting her food choices is terrifying.
My mother never classified food or spoke about food period. She feed us only healthy homemade food and the only rules were only 2 cookies for desert.
There's 4 kids in my family, all now in our thirties extremely healthy and making conscious healthy choices because it's what we grew up eating and what we know as 'food'. Without labeling food Mom showed us what good choices are and we base our choices on what we know.
Tracy says
Jenn, Kids learn from their role models. If the parents read labels it is perfectly healthy, and "normal" for the kids to read labels. My nephew was "reading" labels at four, of course what he thought the label said was more like a story... Twenty years later he is a normal healthy adult. My hope is that the more aware our children become when they are in charge of what is in the food their children will have less of a label to read.
Beth says
Don't children do all kinds of things to please their parents to some extent?? I know when I was growing up I wanted to get good grades and win softball games to make my parents proud. This eventually led to wanting to get good grades so that I could go to college and become successful, but this never would have happened if my parents hadn't taught me the importance of success. Healthy habits follow the same lines -- teaching your children to be educated about their food choices and read labels is a VERY important life skill.
Shandra says
I would also add that 25 years ago, most food WAS real and processed food was the exception. Now, as I stroll through the grocery store, processed foods seem to be the rule rather than the exception. In my house growing up, we rarely had boxed mac n cheese. That was a rare treat as was things like Pop Tarts. My mom cooked almost every night. I also believe that the things we grew up with like Campbell's Soup is probably not the same Campbell's Soup you would find today. My guess is that Campbell's has found ways to cut corners with additives and preservatives in the name of money. I don't know this for a fact...it's just a suspicion. My point is that food is different now.
cheryl says
Jenn:
I don't think you need to be concerned. It's awesome that an 8 year old knows that Oreos is not something to be consumed on a regular basis. See the positive and beauty in such a marvelous discovery.
Not everyone is like you, and being different shouldn't be a cause for alarm.
Robin says
We walk a very fine line as parents. Sometimes I have to step back and look at myself. A little zealous. My "thing" is to not obsess about food he eats elsewhere. I have little control over that. Or how he spends his money (unless, say, it's close to dinner time or something of that nature). He's 14 so I just have to start letting go. Maybe it's easier at this age because I simply can't control it all. I still don't buy junk. And on the rare occasion I bring home root beer or buy him a crappy pizza from the local pizza place, he's so appreciative. But he also likes good food. As in healthy food. So I know, down the line, it's all gonna be ok.
Elizabeth says
I love your FB page and have changed several things in my own home due to your education on real food. I'm sorry people felt it their business to "educate" you on the way you feed your family. Sharing a personal experience to help educate others is great however I just want to say I admire a parent who takes the time to feed their family good whole foods. Don't beat yourself up!!! And please keep educating us!!! I appreciate you've done all the hard work and I just get to follow suit! Lol
Jennifer says
I struggle with this so much. My daughter reacts to several chemical additives with behavioral issues and eyelash pulling so I feel like for her it's not okay for her to have the same things as her friends. I try not to say that some foods are "bad" and try to say instead that we need to stay away from the things that hurt our bodies. I also keep plenty of chemical-free treats around so she never feels like I'm depriving her yet that's often exactly how she feels. Sometimes I feel like I'm fighting a losing battle against Nerds and PopTarts and Cracker Jacks (these are actually things her friends bring for lunch).
Michelle Maddux says
Both you and Food Babe amaze me and I was never concerned with any of your posts. You are doing what is right for your family and your girls will thank you for that later! It's about teaching them to make healthy choices and I see nothing wrong with that! Keep up the amazing work!
Kelli Ugarte says
Amen Sista! That's what I do and it's a good balance. Food awareness, absolutely but I am not the food police either.
That being said, I agree with your comment that you are learning as you go and I never passed judgement on any of your decisions. We all have to figure out what works for our family and gauge the repercussions of our decisions. You are doing a great job!
Vicki says
This post was perfect timing for me. I have six daughters. Two are adults and then I have a 5 year old, two 7 year olds and a 9 year old. We are on day 95 of our 100 day pledge. I have been so proud of my daughters and their willingness to take the pledge. They read every label and have even caught me when I started to put dried cranberries in our cart and found out they had organic sugar in them.
So I was trying to figure out how we would transition. I want to keep eating this way, but I do want them to have the freedom to have something when the other kids do. Today I had to make pizza before school since one of my daughters was singing at a rest home and then going to the park for pizza and the other had an afterschool party for finishing their reading goals and they were having pizza and cookies. I brought her the whole wheat pizza and the brownies.
I also don't want them to obsess, but I want them to eat as healthy as possible. There are "treats" everywhere. At Church every Sunday, rewards at school, parties etc. I don't want to give up what we have accomplished. Thank you for sharing your heart.
Vicki
sara says
I'm having this struggle right now too. I've made every meal for my daughter for 4.5 years. I switched to "real" food when it clicked how processed her baby food was. Now she's leaving her private daycare for big bad preschool where they provide breakfast and lunch. We'll give it a shot. It's only one year before I can start packing lunches again for kindergarten. time for her to start making good decisions alone.
Jenny says
My twins are now 7. In my experience, schools will allow you to control what your children are fed. The office staff can really be a great help with that too. I just stop in on the first day of school or a few days before school starts to share my concerns or to clarify any policy questions.
In daycare, meals were provided if we chose. We sent our own food, but they were still given sugary cereals for their "healthy" snack. In preschool and kindergarten, 2 meals and a snack were provided. Our family doesn't eat beef, so I sent meals on those days. Another family sent lunch everyday. Our family changed schools and now breakfast and snack are provided to all kids and lunch is free for those who qualify. I send lunches and breakfasts (even though my kids were told no initially) whenever there is beef being served. My son seems to have some minor behavioral problems if he goes more than 2 hours without eating, so the doctor wrote a note encouraging the school to allow him to have a healthy snack that I provide to help keep him calm and able to focus and even that has not been a problem.
I have had lunch moms stop me when I was somewhere else in town and comment on how my kids eat such healthy foods or interesting meals. Their teachers have told me that they discuss my kids' lunches frequently because of the healthy foods that are packed and that my kids actually eat it.
Joelle Boeve says
Thank you! My husband and I have made the switch to real food since February and I've been wondering how I will balance this with the junk that will be offered to my daughter. She's only 15 months now so we can control what goes in at the moment, but we know it will change. I appreciate you giving me a 'sigh of relief' so to speak. I needed that!
Morgane says
I am from France and grew up over there. I have been leaving in the US for 6 years and I am still learning how to get the products I need to cook the food I grew up with: real food. I never had to deal with the junk food when I was a child. It wasn't there. All my family and most of our friends were like us: treats were exceptional, so we would never question not having any. And not eating too much at a party was more about being polite than being healthy. Now I have a one year old. I am so glad you are sharing your experience as I know I will soon need some guidance on how to handle her diet. My in-laws who live very close to us are eating junk food all day. My nephews and nieces just open the fridge when they want and get ice-creams, cakes... It puzzles me. I know I will need to learn to talk to my child and say no so she doesn't follow this behavior... You are definitely right on your approach but I think I will unfortunately have to put my foot down early as she will see junk food too young and too often... Thanks so much for all your posts/ideas again!
Shandra Locken says
Your thoughtful post has me tearing up. We all do the best we can with our children. I would say you are doing better than most. I try to not be a food nazi. But I struggle with my husband who is very obstinate and thinks my food concerns are ridiculous. "If it's in the store, it's safe." So he gives my twin toddlers way more crap than I ever would including Cheezits, Gummi Bears, red licorice and grocery store bakery cookies.
One of my twins seems to only want to eat when she is hungry and the other one wants to eat all the time. I am concerned she is going to develop an unhealthy relationship with food, like her mama (i.e. I don't always eat only when I'm hungry.) And I too, have tried to really be conscious of criticizing my body, not wanting them to model me.
It's tough...this parenting thing. Especially when your beliefs don't always coincide with your partner. Luckily, most of what they eat is under my control. But I know that will change when they are no longer home with me. Yikes.
Sarah says
I think a lot depends on knowing our kids. I empower my 4 year old with a lot of knowledge about all sorts of things others might not. But I know her capabilities completely. And I'm with her everyday of the week (no moms day out). I do agree with your new take though. I'm reminded of the French Kids Eat Everything book. We should enjoy our food. Even the "cheats" should just be enjoyed and without remorse as long as you know that the majority of the time you are eating a clean, healthy, whole foods diet. Just my 2 cents.
Hannah @ Boots and Feet says
Well done, you!
Deb says
Excellent post. I don't think that is a "compromise" ... I think that is teaching your daughters, even at a young age, to be aware and to make choices that have very complex layers.
You can only control what you do at home - food, video games, etc. The real challenge of parenting is watching what they do as little individuals when they are out in the real world.
Coreen says
I haven't commented before, but I just wanted to say that I really admire the fact that you continue to keep an open mind, re-evaluate, and alter your course if the need arises. That's an exceptional quality that few people possess, and it sets an outstanding example for your kids.
April T says
I think you are incredibly brave for opening up to such a large audience of mostly women, who, let's be real, can be super judgey! Your posts have really inspired me to get our three boys (6, 4, and baby) eating the healthiest food available. I was appalled at some of the comments I read in response to the doughnut picture! I think as mothers we need to stop comparing and judging (it leaves you one of two feelings: prideful or discouraged, both of which are terrible!) and we need to start encouraging! We are all doing the best we can and no one is perfect! I love your new approach for your girls and think they will be so appreciative later in life for that! So here is my encouragement for you: you are pretty stinkin amazing and your girls are very lucky to have you!
Sarah H. says
Lisa, give yourself a break Your kids will be fine. Motherhood shouldn't be under attack and mothers shouldn't be so harshly judged on line or anywhere else. I have 3 kids, all older then yours, and I know how hard it is to feed them real food in this junk food world. I took a different approach and it works well for us but your the mom in your house and you and dad get to decide for your kids.
I love your blog. Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences!
Sarah H.
Maria says
I agree with your ultimate decision and its what I do with my kids. Where I am VERY controlled with what they eat when at home or with me, whenever they are at school, a friends house or a birthday party I allow them to eat what is offered. I feel its the best decision.
Amelia's mom says
I started the 100 days of real food much to the angst of my 8 year old (I wish that she was as open-minded as yours!), and she is forever sad about the reduction of (mainly) sugar in our lives. I don't think that informing and educating our kids about processed food, and food products is a bad thing. They are surrounded by marketing by corporations trying to sell children junk food, and i think what little we can do to combat that and at least not offer it in our houses is a good thing. I don't think that pointing out that sugary treats are a "sometimes" food and not an every day food harms our children. I never make my kids finish something they don't want to eat - i only ask them to try it. I think that the more they know now the better choices they can make later even if now, all they want is ice cream. Doing the 100 days of Real Food makes me feel like a better mom to my children so thank you for that and happy early Mother's day!!
Jackie says
Like others have said, this post brought tears to my eyes. I'm really proud of you for being able to make these decisions for your family. You obviously love your kids and are trying to instill good values in them as well as providing a save, loving environment for them to grow up.
A few weeks ago, I realized just how much I was obsessing over feeding good foods to my family when I had trouble sleeping one night because I was beating myself up over the fact that my 2-year old had too many crackers that day! He doesn't normally eat like that but I had taken one off day and allowed it to completely affect my personal well-being. It even started to affect my parents' interaction with us. We only see them three or four times a year and they are afraid that they'll "get in trouble" if they give my son the occasional treat when we visit. (My dad's a chef, so you can imagine all of the great food he can expose them to.)
I decided that I don't want to be that mom/daughter/parent anymore. I don't want to be the mom who makes others feel torn down or defeated because of how I choose to raise my children. I want my kids to learn to accept generosity - if even in the form of the occasional brownie or cupcake - graciously and gratefully.
I really appreciate all you do here on your blog. You're a great mom and advocate for real food. Keep up the fantastic work!
Lisa says
I read each post you have on facebook. I think what you do is amazing! I don't see anything that concerns me in your posts. You seem very calm about everything, and you make eating healthy look so easy, and extremely appealing! I have issues with my body image and it scares me how easily it can happen. My daughter will be 2 this September. I want nothing more than to feed her healthy foods. My problem is that my husband has OCD (literally)and it's not even plausible to discuss changing his diet. I admire your strength! Your posts encourage me to make better decisions, and I thank you for that! You're doing an amazing job!
Beth says
Love your honesty and your heart to do what is best for your girls. Thanks for sharing! Keep up the good work. I've loved reading your writings the past year or so. Very inspiring!
Stephanie says
What a great post! This is something we have struggled with here, as well. I try to be mindful about not using the words "junk food" as I have a 6 yr old who gets VERY concerned about the types of food people he loves are eating already, without calling food junk. I use the phrase "sometimes foods", to stress that you may eat it, but only sometimes. It has been really interesting to discover that my children's definition of sometimes is actually less than what I would have determined. I suppose that is the benefit of the majority of their food that they have consumed over their little lifetimes being "real" food. :)
Sarah says
Thank you SOOOO Much for posting this. I struggle w/ this all the time! I hate to come off neurotic about the sugars and treats...but junk food is everywhere!?! Anyhow, loved hearing your perspective...I love your blog!
Michelle T says
I love this post! In our house my husband is the one who is very diligent with our daughters about eating healthy and not eating sugary junk food. I on the other hand have tried very carefully to let them know that there is room for the occasional treat. I am quite aware of the health hazards "food" in our society causes from educating myself... unfortunately I'm not perfect and I still eat junk when I crave it against my better judgement. It has been a HUGE concern to me what our daughters perceptions will be as they get older about food and their bodies based on what we say and model to them. We have their best interest at heart, but being too extreme may be more damaging than just educating and allowing them choices, which they will ultimately make more and more as they mature. I like your compromise!
Sarah D says
I think this is a great step. Earlier this year I suffered from this obsession with healthy eating, which has actually been termed orthorexia. It all started by reading blogs, books, and watching documentaries about "real food" and the horrors of meat and processed food in the US. This was also when I came across your blog. I became a vegetarian and followed all the real food rules. I took it a little far, however, in that I didn't want to eat anything I hadn't prepared, and on the rare occasion I did eat something that wasn't "in the rules" I would beat myself up over it for days. I'd also spend 2-3 hours at the gym everyday, and needless to say I dropped a bit of weight. After comments from friends and family I realized, like you, that the occasional treat or meal that isn't what I would call healthy isn't going to undo all the healthy habits I do have in place. It is very easy to become obsessed with everything you put in your mouth, and I wouldn't want that for your girls. Balance is the key.
Carla says
Big hugs!
sara says
Happy Mothers Day! You are a good mom!
Ann Haynes says
Good comments. My children are grown and I tried when they were young to do some of the same things you are doing. Both of them love to cook and my daughter is trying to find that middle ground as well. This week the children went to a strawberry farm and picked strawberries. She made jam with some. I have a small courtyard garden with pots filled with herbs and veggies. The grandchildren love to help in the garden. They also love to help when I entertain with teas, etc. Getting children involved in the process of growing and cooking food add other positive elements of healthy living.
Eliza says
I love this article. From my limited (12 month) experience parenting is about constantly reassessing your position. There is always new evidence or new research to make us question what we always thought to be true. I believe thoughtful parenting is the best type of parenting.
Nathalie says
Thank you for your honesty! I currently do not have any children but my husband and I have been trying to make the move to whole foods. I appreciate the concerns others have shared about eating disorders however I think we all have to be careful with any extremes not just in eating and exercising. I know families where no technology is aloud in the house or families who place their children in front of T.V's all day. Any extreme can cause some problems. I am a graduating psychology student and you have to remember that often their is a lot more going on with children and parents who have eating disorders. So don't let those comments get you too concerned! I love your blog and all the information you offer online it is a great reference for me :)
Allison says
I think you are doing a great job. In a world where we are constantly bombarded with poor food choices (choices that are considered normal) it is sooo hard to walk this line. For my family what I buy at the grocery store is 95% real. I have a sweet tooth so that 5% is usually ice cream or something like that. My kids are allowed one "treat" per day whether it is an ice cream sandwich or some cookies, or occasionally a soda. I don't control what they eat at friends houses, etc or if we are eating out. My kids are great eaters and very active so I'm ok with this. The challenge for me is that they are constantly begging for more. I think I am pretty reasonable but for every treat I approve I bet there are 10 times I say no! I wonder what kind of effect this is going to have on them... Even though they aren't deprived they think they are and I'm not sure how to handle this. I too worry that if they feel controlled it could set a pattern for eating disorders, etc. but don't think at 6 I should let them live off of little Debbie and Cheetos either!
Betsy says
I love this post! I deal with a sister in law who eats absolutely no fat and calls herself a vegetarian, although she clearly has a major eating disorder. It all started because a gymnastics coach put her on a carb diet in like jr. High or high school. Now my husband and I really struggle with raising our sons healthy without over doing it! Sounds like I am not alone! Thank you for your openness and honesty! I am also glad you guys understand school can be a cruel world and this will help your children in the long run as well. Good habits really do start at home! You are giving them a great foundation! I work in a school and know all about the junk food! I also see how kids get picked on for beliefs there families have as they grow older. Unfortunately bulling happens despite efforts to control it. Right or wrong, it is there. I am glad you guys are open to easing your beliefs for the sake of your children. Hang in there, you are providing the foundation that will carry over!
Nancy says
I think it's awesome what you're doing! Too bad more parents (including me in the past) don't care more about what their kids eat. I think the eating disorders stem from an emphasis on physical appearance and weight more than what food kids can and can't eat. Your kids will thank you when they aren't struggling with health problems and disease when they're older. And they're not afraid of vegetables like I was. Keep up the good work. We're all benefiting from it!