Although parents aren't usually in the cafeteria when little Johnny or Jill opens the lunchbox or goes through the line, we think it's a good idea for parent's to get into their heads.
Lunchbox prep is only one piece of the nutrition pie. As the kiddos head off to school, a parent's role expands to teacher, educator and nutritionist. Arm your children with dietary knowledge to go along with that fresh and healthy lunch you packed. You don't need a degree in nutrition to nudge your kids toward making healthier food choices and discourage their swapping your homemade kale chips for those tempting french fries.
Try a few of these simple ideas to get started:
· Eat family meals together around the dinner table
· Always include a favorite food on the plate along with new items
· Invite your child to grocery shop and cook with you
· Make it a point to avoid processed foods whenever possible
· Set a good example with your own food choices
· Discuss school lunch ideas in advance
We understand that your biggest challenges are time and money. By planning ahead--discussing recipes, grocery lists, school lunch options--both parents and children are more likely to engage in and enjoy healthier, happier meals.
Who knows? At some point your child may be the one leading the culinary adventure. "I cook a lot at home with my mom, so this program has helped me to be a better helper at home in the kitchen," says one of our 5th grade students in the Seed-to-Plate Nutrition Education™ program at EA Jones Elementary.
What if your children are complaining about the changes new healthy guidelines have wrought in theschool cafeteria? Try making school lunch a part of your dinner table conversation. Ask about your child's favorite flavors and dishes in the lunchroom, and explore what he doesn't like or won't try. Then try to incorporate those dishes she is hesitant about into your own meals. Sometimes it takes as many as 15 exposures before you break through that refusenik barrier!
Support the healthier choices now available in school cafeterias and encourage your child to try new things--one taste isnt that hard to stomach. And remember, whatever your own experience with school lunch "in the day," comiserating will not move the needle in the right direction!
So, this year, in addition to those extra servings of whole grains, fresh fruits and veggies, add a few slices of healthy discussion and food knowledge into your child's lunch routine.
