August is celebrated as Kids Eat Right Month sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition Dietetics (“Academy”). Today, the Academy represents more than 100,000 credentialed practitioners, registered dietitian nutritious, dietetic technicians, and other dietetics and nutrition professionals, and is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research. This week, this column will present the advantage of healthy eating and family meals outlined by Kidshealth.org.
Family meals are a comforting ritual for both parents and kids. Children like the predictability of family meals and parents get a chance to catch up with their kids. Kidshealth indicates kids who take part in regular family meals are also:
• More likely to eat fruits, vegetables and grains
• Less likely to snack on unhealthy foods
• Less likely to smoke, use marijuana or drink alcohol
When it comes to your teens, they turn their noses up at the prospect of a family meal. This is not surprising because they are busy and want to be more independent. Yet, studies find that teens still want their parents’ advice and counsel, so use mealtime as a chance to reconnect. For parents of teens, these tips are recommended:
• Involve your child in meal planning and preparation
• Keep mealtime calm and friendly – no lectures or arguing Family meals are whenever you and your family eat together. Strive for nutritious food and a time when everyone can be there. It may mean setting aside time on the weekends when it may be more convenient to gather as a group, such as for Sunday brunch.
If you are interested in getting your kids involved in the kitchen, here are a few age-appropriate kitchen tasks for children from 3–12 years of age presented by eatright.org(1):
3-5 years old
• Use cookie cutters
• Rinse produce in a large bowl filled with water
• Clear tabletops
• Mix simple ingredients
6-7 years old
• Crack eggs in a bowl
• Use a vegetable peeler
• De-seed peppers and tomatoes
• Shuck and rinse corn
8-9 years old
• Rinse and clean vegetables
• Use a can opener
• Beat eggs
• Measure and mix dry ingredients
10-12 years old
• Boil pasta/vegetables
• Simmer ingredients on the stove top
• Follow a simple step-by-step recipe
Beloved, when putting your little ones to work in the kitchen, be sure to observe some food safety tips such as cleaning and sanitizing countertops, washing hands before and after handling foods and ensuring children are only allowed to cook with adult supervision.
Source: 1 See entire infographic at: www.eatright.org/-/media/eatrightproimages/media/multimedia-news-center/infographics/kidfriendlykitchentasks.jpg
Next Week: Series Continuation
General Disclaimer: The writer has used her best efforts in preparation of this information. No representations or warranties for its contents, either expressed or implied, are offered. Neither the publisher nor the writer shall be liable in any way for readers’ efforts to apply, rely or utilize the information or recommendations presented herein as they may not be suitable for you or necessarily appropriate for every situation to which they may refer. This information is for educational purposes. In some instances, this article contains the opinions, conclusions and/or recommendations of the writer. If you would like to contact Rev. Lester, write to her c/o P.O. Box 121, Brookfield, WI. 53008.
