Lou and I have fully settled into the new school year, overcome the first round of back to school germs, and feel excited for the fall sports season to kick off.
A couple weeks back, I shared about the importance of routine in the day to day with our children. If you missed it, you can find the article here!
One aspect of our daily routine that I feel passionate about is when and what we eat.
We don’t live a lavish lifestyle, nor do we splurge much on shopping sprees or material things. I will however dedicate my hard earned money to healthy foods, nourishing snacks, and treats that don’t cause cavities.
When Lou and I were eating breakfast the other morning, Lou noted that her friends were surprised by her healthy lunch and full breakfast that she had each day.
“My parents throw me a piece of toast as I’m walking out the door!” One student mentioned. Another commenting on “how healthy” my daughters lunch always looked. This got my child on the “why” wheel.
“Mom..” she said, “why do you make me eat a big breakfast in the morning? And why do you pack my lunch with so many healthy things?! All the kids come with chips and cookies, and I want more of that!”
I’d been waiting for this conversation. Without hesitation, I broke out my mental list of all the reasons I love making her a balanced breakfast and bougie lunch each day. Here are a few responses you can add into your tool bag for the day your child decides to start this debate.
- “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It not only gets your metabolism moving, it also helps give your brain fuel to learn when you go to school each day.”
- “You are constantly growing, and skipping meals can actually cause negative effects on your growth, mental focus, and overall development.”
- “I don’t want you eating junk food for lunch. It’s as simple as that. The more I learn about nutrition and how different foods affect our body and mind, the more I learn that fruits, vegetables, and proteins are a must have when I make your lunch.”
- “Let me remind you, I don’t deprive you. I always add in a sweet treat or bag of chips so you’ve got a balance of what you need and what you want.”
- “You can make your own breakfast and lunch if you don’t like what I make.”
Number 5 normally has me winning the debate. I like to end with that one so that there normally are no more questions to take.
In all seriousness, as a parent, I take great honor in the responsibility of raising a child in our world today. We are up against so many exterior challenges and influences trying to mold the minds of our children into the people the world wants them to be.
As long as I have the ability, I’ll make a meal filled with love and intention. I’ll wake up the extra hour early so that I’ve got the time to make the bacon and write the note.
This may not be available to you and your family at this time, though we can always modify to adapt to our circumstance. If you lack time, are you able to show your child how to pack an intentional lunch? Leaving them to come up with a lunch on their own is when you start to see chips, sugary drinks, and candy they found in the couch.
If you’ve got older siblings in the house, this is a great opportunity for them to step into their “family responsibility” of helping more around the house.
I’ll never forget a friend who was talking to me about her oldest daughter not wanting to get her drivers license until she turned 18. Her mom empowered her by sharing about “family responsibility” and how everyone must participate to their best ability in making the family dynamic run more smoothly.
When we feel empowered, as the parent or the child, that is when we see a positive change.
After sharing my why behind a bigger breakfast and a balanced lunch, my child turned her questioning into thanking me for taking the time to care for her in that way.
“These are the ways I show that I love you.” I’ll remind her.
Whether it is the intention you put into the food you buy, the meal you prepare, or the quality time in helping them be set up for success on their own – it starts with our own parental drive.
Below I’ve shared a grocery list example for the kinds of foods we buy in a weeks time. My rule of thumb is staying off the isles as much as possible. Most foods you’ll find down the isles are processed and packaged, so stay on the outskirts for freshest finds.
Fruits (Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cutie oranges)
Veggies (cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, carrots, celery)
Dairy (Cheese sticks, yogurts)
Protein (Salami, turkey, ham) *We normally do roll ups since she doesn’t like bread
A lunch made with love can go a long way in showing your child that they are important, they are loved, and you care about what they consume everyday!
Makenna Curtis
Faith, Family, & Entertainment Writer
Local Pulse Pensacola
