Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in cincinnati, OH

Tuesday List - Please Share Your Thoughts!

by Amy Mumper

April 21, 2009

Tuesdays are list days, in case that had escaped you.  (Sometimes it does escape me).  And, today, ideas on food and nutrition are escaping me.  We've talked about organic foods and breastfeeding.  I'll be honest - I've struggled with food lately and my kids have subsequently struggled with healthy eating.  I think I mentioned trying healthy snacks and such lately.  It really is working.  But, today's list is a twist:  questions for you!  Please help!

1. Have you ever packed a lunch for your child to eat away from home?  How do you know that they're eating what you packed?  My daughter seemed to come home with different food from what I'd sent.  I'm guessing she was trading for "better" (less healthy) food.  It pressured me enough to at least go ahead and buy her prepackaged, more enticing food.  ??  How do you get your child to eat healthy away from home? 
2. Another question...  even though I feel justified now buying prepackaged food (like individually packaged raisin boxes, juice boxes or carbonated drinks versus using a thermos), is it worth it?  Are we teaching kids that it has to be prepackaged and ‘pretty' enough to entice them?  What kind of message does this send about food?
3. If you succumb to the pressure and buy the individually packaged things, does it squelch your child's urge to swap food? 
4. What do you think about withholding sugar?  My pediatrician says that withholding it will only make them crave it; even things like Splenda and diet drinks will encourage sweet cravings. 
5. Conversely, what about letting the child binge on sugar, say cookies or Easter candy?  If they eat all they can (maybe even get sick?) will they have had their fill and they'll let it go?  Is that healthy?

Anybody out there - I'd love to open the discussion about healthy eating habits for little ones.  Thoughts?