Instead of letting the schools and the lawyers tell us how they plan to resolve this crisis, it’s time for us to step back in. We don’t need lawsuits against fast food companies. We need to get back into the picture. They are *our* children, after all. Here are a few suggestions:
1) Go out and play. That’s what we did as children. Our parents often would go out and play along with us. Badminton, softball and other active games are fun — and they are exercise. You’ll build a better bond with the rest of your family, plus everyone will get the workout they need. Exercise does not have to be boring. 2) Eat at the table. Studies indicate that we eat healthier when we eat at the table. Calories, fat and sodium levels drop. How fast we consume our food drops. On top of that, you have the time to talk to your family. You can find out what your children learned in school or tell a story about an event in your day. 3) Simple, healthy one dish dinners. There are a lot of recipes for one dish dinners that take less than half an hour to make. As an example, a pot of homemade chili comes to mind. Get 96% lean ground beef and rinse the canned beans to get rid of the salt and you have a meal that is tasty, healthy and fast. 4) Take the kids to the market. Children need to learn how to shop, both economically and with nutrition in mind. They can point out their favorite fruits and vegetables and learn which cuts of meat are the best, health wise. Older children can be encouraged to plan a meal, shop for the food and be “head chef” when it’s time to make it. 5) Watch the lunches. If your children’s school serves food that you think is too high in fat, calories and/or sodium, don’t buy them. Instead, have your children help you pack a lunch. Let them help you choose the food and you stand a better chance of them actually eating it. One caution to keep in mind; some foods can spoil if left unrefrigerated. 6) Limit screen time. This includes televisions, computers, game equipment and texting. All (or most) of these are sedentary activities. If you limit the time they sit in front of a screen, there is more time for them to go out and play. 7) Have the kids help make dinner. This will allow them to gain new skills and you a chance to teach about nutrition. Making a meal together, like playing together, is also a good time for bonding.
Our children are our greatest treasure. We are the ones responsible for their health and safety. Let’s all work together to have healthy, happy children.