This is something I've been struggling with for awhile with this blog. My goal is to help all children, indeed all families become confident and joyful eaters who enjoy the family table.However, I have clients who are nutritionists, clients who only shop at Whole Foods, and then I also talk to parents who "hate" to cook and never do it, ordering all their foods frozen and pre-packaged. I hear from vegetarians who want more recipes without animal products, I hear from families where the kids only eat Mac-n-cheese and chicken nuggets.
How can I make a blog that is relevant to all families, to reach all those kids? If I write about eating a pop-tart being better than nothing for breakfast, will I turn off the only local and organic folks? If I write about an all-organic butcher, which is not an option or choice for many families, will they stop tuning in?
I hope not. I think everyone can use some help, I know I did. I hope that for those of you who are further along with cooking, or who choose not to eat meat that you can find something of value in my postings. I know almost everyone can learn more about the HOW we feed kids, regardless of the WHAT at this point. And then there are always my rambling insights into topical news stories and Bratz dolls!
Here are a few things that I think hold true for everyone.
Be positive about changes and start with adding, rather than taking away. (For example, if you always get pizza on Monday, eat it at home with milk and apple-sauce or corn.)
Make the family meal a priority. Shoot for 3 times a week if you find you're all eating on the go.
Make the family table a pleasant place. Preschoolers need to behave, but so do grown-ups. Save serious money-talk, or bickering for after meals.
Don't lecture young children about "nutrition." Enjoy a variety of foods, and be positive about foods. Avoid labeling foods as "good" or "bad," which kids take literally and leads to fear and shame associated with eating.
Turn off the TV, Ipod, phone for family meals.
Don't graze. Kids should eat 3 meals and 1-3 snacks depending on age and timing.
Eat breakfast.
Provide food for your children. Have milk, cereal, bananas, and other options available if you just can't get family meals together. Get help if you're overwhelmed. (read Secrets of Feeding a Healthy Family)
Buy local if you can.
Thoughts?
I hope not. I think everyone can use some help, I know I did. I hope that for those of you who are further along with cooking, or who choose not to eat meat that you can find something of value in my postings. I know almost everyone can learn more about the HOW we feed kids, regardless of the WHAT at this point. And then there are always my rambling insights into topical news stories and Bratz dolls!Here are a few things that I think hold true for everyone.
Be positive about changes and start with adding, rather than taking away. (For example, if you always get pizza on Monday, eat it at home with milk and apple-sauce or corn.)
Make the family meal a priority. Shoot for 3 times a week if you find you're all eating on the go.
Make the family table a pleasant place. Preschoolers need to behave, but so do grown-ups. Save serious money-talk, or bickering for after meals.
Don't lecture young children about "nutrition." Enjoy a variety of foods, and be positive about foods. Avoid labeling foods as "good" or "bad," which kids take literally and leads to fear and shame associated with eating.
Turn off the TV, Ipod, phone for family meals.
Don't graze. Kids should eat 3 meals and 1-3 snacks depending on age and timing.
Eat breakfast.
Provide food for your children. Have milk, cereal, bananas, and other options available if you just can't get family meals together. Get help if you're overwhelmed. (read Secrets of Feeding a Healthy Family)
Buy local if you can.
Thoughts?
I love your blog just the way it is! I totally understand that not every posting is going to relate to everyone 100%.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is quite wonderful! Might not mean much coming from someone who's more of a "cool auntie" than a mom, but hey. The overall tone of your posts is very inviting, and you make an effort to offer options good for vegetarians, or people with dietary restrictions. You make no sweeping pronouncements against this or that, or come across as being on an anti-[Insert Food Here] crusade. That last one can really turn people off, if it makes them feel defensive. I'd say keep it up, and things will be fine!
ReplyDelete