Since it's founding in 1997, the CYC-Net discussion group has been asked thousands of questions. These questions often generate many replies from people in all spheres of the Child and Youth Care profession and contain personal experiences, viewpoints, as well as recommended resources.
Below are some of the threads of discussions on varying Child and Youth Care related topics.
Questions and Responses have been reproduced verbatim.
Listen to thisHello All,
My name is Matt and I currently work in an after-school/residential setting
with adolescent girls. One of our girls (I'll call her Jessica) is
struggling with poor health and hygiene. Staff is taking steps to correct
her hygiene problems but our attempts to help her to improve on her health
habits are not very successful. Her main issue is eating too much of the
wrong kind of food. We have set up "expectations" as to the amount and
quality of food she is permitted to eat. The problem, in my opinion, is that
her peers do not have to follow the same expectations. Jessica is a youth
that wants desperately to connect with her peers; she rebels against
anything that singles her out. Staff is trying to model appropriate eating
habits but it is not enough. My thought is that my program needs to make
massive, program-wide changes. Our refrigerators and cabinets are filled
with frozen, preserved, and processed foods. It is rare that a meal is
cooked from its raw, fresh ingredients. I know that changing my program's
shopping, eating, and cooking habits is the only way to best provide for the
youth in our care but how do I do it? I need advice – Lord knows I
don't have stellar eating habits either. Where do I start? I'm also
concerned with the impact such a change would have on our other youth. Of
course it would make them healthier but I'm afraid that it will register for
them as just one more way my program is attempting to "control their lives,"
(a sentiment too often expressed by my kids). Jessica's health needs to be
addressed, how can I help her? Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks and take good care,
Matt Fasano
...
Hey Matt!
It sounds like you have a battle on your hands!! It's hard to tell youth
what they need and have them listen. One suggestion I have would be to
include all the youth in cooking. Get out some recipe books, talk about
foods they like to eat and taste's and spices they love to eat and then
include them!! I find the best way to get a child/youth to eat anything is
to let them make it themselves.
They are then feeding themselves and creating something from nothing which
fosters self esteem. Pizza can be healthy, just provide healthy ingredients.
Smoothies are also a great way to get children/youth to eat some fruit.
Taco's, fajita's etc. My favorite website is allrecipes.com.
Start with one ingredient and let the youth experiment!! Good luck!!
Robyn Harold
...
Matt:
I work with a population of children on the Autism Spectrum. Since
most of our children are on multiple medications, they have gained weight
prior to coming to us. We have been successful in having them lose
weight by creating a healthy choice eating plan for all. Before each meal,
all our children (no matter if they have a weight issue or not) walk a
couple laps around our courtyard. Then following a meal, they repeat
this. Our children who have significant weight to lose, get seconds on
fruits and vegetables.
We also celebrate our children's successes when they lose weight and become
more mobile and less sedentary. We monitor all the children's weight and
height each month so no child feels that they are being singled out.
Hope
this helps.
Camille Regan
Oklahoma
...
This is a tough one. Because aside from changing the menu for everyone there
is also a budget issue. Whole wheat pasta costs more than Ramen Noodles. So
. . . I would suggest you talk to your supervisor, ask to bring your ideas
to the table at a staff meeting, ask about calling your county extension
service for help in revamping, and then come up with a plan. Change is
difficult, but this is a very positive one. DO IT.
Sandy Goodman,
Riverton, WY
...
Hi Matt,
I think perhaps if some very small gradual changes were made it would be
easier for the young people to accept. You didn't explain why frozen and
processed food is predominant in the residential unit, maybe it is it a time
or staffing issue.. so I'm not sure how helpful my suggestions will be..
From my understanding of your comments, Jessica has different expected
amount and quality of food she is permitted to eat? If her peers in the unit
are allowed to eat whatever they like I think this may lead her to rebel and
feel even more isolated. I feel that you are right in saying the food
quality and eating habits of the entire unit will have to change. If the
'wrong kind of food' is not available in the unit then they will be less
likely to eat it. I think that by providing ready healthy options at the
times Jessica is most prone to snacking or over-eating may be a very
practical way to improve her eating habits. It can be done in a very subtle
way, she may already be feeling self conscious so talks and rules about
healthy eating may just make her feel worse.
The same issues came up for a young person I was working with. I found that
by having homemade soup ready when all of them came home from school "I
thought it would be nice since its so cold out" meant that they were then
too full to snack on their usual cookies. A chopped fruit salad for later on
in the evening also helped avoid snacking before bedtime. I think making
healthy options available, like putting a bowl of fruit on the kitchen
counter or for example if bread is to be served with a meal putting a slice
for everyone out instead of the whole packet, makes it easier for young
people to make better snack decisions unconsciously. Involving the young
people in cooking will also encourage them to eat the (healthy) food they
make, to enjoy it, and also let them feel in more control and not the
workers "controlling their lives". I don't think you should be worried about
the impact healthy eating changes would have on the other kids, if it is
done slowly and without big attention drawn from workers that its a 'healthy
option' they probably will not even notice.
I think it will definitely help if you can get more creative thinking about
food in the residential unit and if staff not only model but become very
enthusiastic about good food and vocalise how delicious it is during
mealtimes. If you can start to make some meals from scratch buy a food
processor which will let you hide lots of nutritious vegetables, like
spinach for example, in soups and sauces. Switching from frozen and
processed to home-made will also up the levels of vitamins and minerals the
young people are getting from their meals which is so necessary to their
energy and concentration levels and also to their healthy development.
Home-made does not have to happen every day, it is understandable that there
may not be enough time or that other pressing needs will have to be dealt
with, however I think that if you start to make some changes Jessica will
find it much easier to eat healthier.
I hope this is helpful and wish you all the luck,
If you would like some recipies feel free to contact me!
Aisling Malone
...
Hello, my name is Tacee and I am new to the CYC-net. I have
suggestions for eating habits for youth.
One thing that you could try is to find out what vegetables, fruit, etc.
that they do enjoy that is fresh and create meals from that.
Also, including the youth in finding recipes that they would like from
recipe books. (Books that you provide for them which contains a
nutritional value).
After, maybe, include them in making the grocery list and the shopping?
I hope this helps.
Thank you,
Tacee Francis
...
Hi Matt,
I agree with your point that it will likely require a whole shift in the
environment in order to support Jessica's learning in health living. I feel
like an attitude of approaching the issue with "corrections" and
"expectations" will only set up this child for failure, possibly
contributing to Jessica's issues. I think if you involve the youth in the
process of developing a menu, a shopping list, going to buy the ingredients
together and then actually preparing the meals together (can even do ahead
of the time and freeze things) it will be the beginning of a shift for all
the staff and the youth. When you involve the youth it will foster
independence, pride and institute some life-long healthy living skills. I'd
even call a chef at a local restaurant or somewhere like that and see if
they would donate a few hours of their time to come and meet with the youth
and prep a meal together, your local health department might support sending
out a nutritionist to come and speak with the youth also. Maybe you could
brain storm with the youth also some sort of challenge with this.
Good luck Matt, update us on what you decide to try and how it goes!
Danielle Jimeno
Surrey Memorial Hospital
...
Hi Matt,
I can definitely relate to your situation when looking at ways to alter or
incorporate new ideas or processes within the various organizational
"systems". I think one thing I learned was that being an ally is
incredibly important and that change at the organizational level can take
time. Working with the staff and youth, children and families as an ally is all about
ensuring everyone feels they are a part of the process and that there isn't
one person calling the shots.
I think you are at a great starting point in that you sound like you have
the determination and hope that change is possible.
What about conducting a survey asking the staff, students and parents
what/if they would like to see anything change, and also asking questions
around how the students and parents feel about the food that is consumed by
the students at school, and if certain foods are consumed more than others
and why. Finally, asking questions that may help you unveil what course of
action parents, staff and students would like to see? (Checking into what
they think would be an effective solution) That might provide some insight
into their perspectives, needs, concerns, on food and health, the potential
barriers to optimal health and also the possible factors that may be in
place that encourage good eating habits or health care.
Overall the survey could be a good starting place for conversation around
health, during the creation of the survey you could ask tell the students
and Jessica etc about this project and ask her and their input, check in and
see what questions they would like to see asked etc.
After the survey depending on your findings a possible starting place could
be:
For example: Maybe forming a health committee or
"eat right" committee or group, that would be made up of students and a
facilitator (possibly yourself?). "Jessica" could be offered the opportunity
to join the group, which would then provide means to peer interaction and
lead to group cohesion and group aid over time. The group could meet once a
week and discuss different topic around health, such focuses like
self-concept/self-esteem, media analysis, etc., etc., could be addressed
with the hopes of reaching the students from the inside, exploring why
taking ourselves
If you did have a group this group could organize school events around the
given topic. There could be incentives (if realistic given your setting)
such as a school dance etc. It wouldn't be about controlling what kids bring
to school in their lunch the focus would be on somehow encouraging better
choices that are realistic to all children and families. This is where
parental support would be huge. However it would be very important for all
children and families to be included and feel a part of the process, a
concern for me would be would if some families can't afford better choices
or maybe do not have the access to those better choices etc., etc., so it
would be important to ensure that people do not begin to feel blamed or
guilty for eating certain foods. For example, if there are vending machines
or the frozen food you mentioned etc, if that food was changed for a period
of time let's say 2 weeks or a week to start that may be one way to approach
it, so that it would be about the school making the change to incorporate
and support better choices so that when kids buy food at school or eat the
food you provide them that its healthy.
Another idea for the group and for Jessica would be again as I mentioned
holding events, one could be (depending on the age of the children/youth)
having a cooking class where one of the students can lead it, or lead it
with you, and then show the others how to do it. It may be a great chance to
give Jessica a greater sense of autonomy, independence and confidence.
(just an idea)
As for Jessica, I would focus on self-esteem/self-concept, and
strength-building materials, a girls group could work well or one to one if
you do some work with her on that. I think encouraging a child; youth
positives, strength's and accomplishments are critical to building up a
positive self-esteem.
Looks like you have a great opportunity and its good to hear how motivated
and committed you are to the children and youth you are working with,
All the best to you,
Vanessa Lalonde
...
Hey Matt,
Great job is recognizing the opportunity here. In general, managers
don't have the time or energy to deal with all the employees who come up
with the current problem of the day and say "fix it." It distracts us
from what we need to attend to. That said, the opportunity for you
telling your company and boss, "Here's how I can help in this area, here are
some ideas." I suggest you do your research first and have a strong
intention to follow through on making improvements.
Speaking about Jessica, you should include her on developing her own plan.
She may not meet your standards but that's fine because she first needs to
know that she can succeed at goals she sets, however small. If you try
to make her meet your expectations, she may fail and then begin or continue
a cycle of thinking that she "is always a failure", "she can't do anything
right," "everything is so hard," etc. If she can go a week eating a
piece of fresh fruit every day, that may be success for her and can help her
build good habits.
Speaking for program changes, there is so much media and research going in
your favor. You can show the films "Supersize Me" and "Fast Food
Nation"
and then design a project with the kids if they are interested in making
better food choices and perhaps influencing the larger program. Our
utility bill went through the roof one month and we asked the kids for their
help.
They researched on the internet, suggested higher efficiency light bulbs,
closing the shades during the hot day, asked for cooperation in turning off
lights and air conditioning units and even created signs to remind everyone
and themselves about conserving energy. Our kids are all immigrants
who were not familiar with computers and did not speak English so they had
limitations. The cool thing is I didn't tell them what to do, they told us.
The BIG KEY is that you focus on developmental outcomes and NOT just
achievement outcomes. Yes, the kids we worked with helped reduce the
bill, but they learned how to research on the computer, they learned how to
problem solve and work together, they developed their creativity and
experience in tackling issues of conservation, they developed their
presentation skills, and they developed familiarity with success. They
choose the direction of the project.
Good Luck Matt! Get the kids involved in this problem if you can.
They will amaze you with the information they can collect and the changes
they can implement! Also, if you live in the states, check out
bountiful baskets on the internet. It's the cheapest way to get more
fresh fruit, vegetables and fiber into your diet.
Alfonso Ramirez, Jr.
...
Hi Matt,
You have addressed a seemingly common issue with adolescent girls – hygiene
and body image. While i do see the need to rejig your program food plan that
meets more with Canada's food guide I also wonder if there is more that is
happening for "Jessica." Could her eating be about comfort eating and
it serves an emotional need for her? While concerning and certainly
not uncommon, adolescent girls (as others as well) have sought emotional
refuge
in food.You indicated that she struggles with relating to her peers
and I
wonder if there is something else that is going on for her as well. In
terms of the girls seeing a change in meal plan as your attempt to "control
their lives" perhaps this could be stated as a response to the need for
healthier eating habits and the impact this will have on their well-being.
Just a thought
Donicka Budd
Toronto, ON
...
I think that knowledge is the key. The more you know what to do the more you
have control to change. Start with the basics and read the labels.
Most general populations can't even do that. Then learn what happens to the
starches, carbs, proteins, and sugars etc after you eat them. What your body
does with them. I am only a personal trainer but a dietitian might help you.
There are colleges nearby that have "almost grads" that might help for free
for the paper you write on them. (I mean they help you and you refer them or
write a paper about what they did for your
group.) Maybe an internship?
I don't help with the food where I work but I do come across residents that
talk of the protein drinks. I then start giving them the knowledge they need
to make good eating habits BEFORE choosing something that doesn't do what
they THINK it should do for them. Off the subject but that is my reference.
I did help by pointing out the foods that have a lot of protein and lead
them to choose better foods at the table.
Children need knowledge. They search for it they just don't always like
reading it.
An interesting book is The Fidget Factor by Frank I. Katch, and Victor L.
Katch, with Gene Brown saw it for a penny on amazon.com.
Another book is the Suzanne Summers books. She has about three of them and
all talk about how you body breaks down food and combined carbs and
proteins. Interesting read. Some can follow the diet but others can receive
some knowledge from the books.
Does this person have history of heart, cholesterol, or disease in family?
If it is just weight that is the issue, then please think twice about this.
YOU DON"T NEED TO BE FAT TO BE UNHEALTHY. AND NOT ALL FAT PEOPLE ARE
UNHEALTHY.............. just fat. BMI (body mass index) and other health
measurements should also be looked at. Most people don't know what that is
either. Exercise is the other tool for a healthy life style.
Health history is a large issue and should be looked at along with eating
habits. Just telling someone that if you lose weight you will be healthy is
wrong and will always be wrong.
Donna Wilson
...
Hi Matthew,
Perhaps having a nutritionist or dietician speak to the whole group would be
helpful. I find for teens it has to be fun and interesting enough for
them to take notice and want to change. I too have self educated
myself about proper nutrition but teens being informed is one way to support
Jessica and her peers. Also, suggesting to your boss about preparing
meals from scrap would encourage better eating habits for everyone...there
are so many easy and delicious recipes out there now. Hope this helps.
Muriel
...
My setting, which is a different population being developmental
disabilities, is currently addressing dietary/food habit/weight gain issues.
We are bringing in all community nursing etc. supports to advise staff and
set guidelines for nutrition, and help us create long term plans to
gradually change staff and residents' habits. There is always a wide
range of beliefs amongst staff regarding nutrition, so it can be tricky.
This way we remove some of the potential for staff conflict by having
guidelines that we should be using anyway from the health care teams.
So this involves a complete review, from shopping, budget and individual
health plans. There is plenty of health/medical/research info
available now re the long term health risks for young people with poor
diets. Diabetes and heart disease should be enough of a reason for
everyone in a role of responsibility to get on board with basic nutrition
guidelines.
One change at a time/or slow change is a good approach. Too much at
once is usually too hard for anyone. Start by cutting out a few
obvious "poor"
nutrition choices from the shopping. You are right, if it is there,
people will eat it and if it is not, they won't!
In British Columbia schools are now required to follow nutrition guidelines:
mostly/occasional/never choices. Your jurisdiction may have some
community initiatives you can incorporate.
Skin care might be a hook to get teens on board; also media role models.
Structure in treats so they are clearly still there, is another idea.
Good luck!
Yana Maltais
...
Hi Matt,
I think your concern is genuine; great inquiry.
Currently, I am a Social Work Intern at The Hospital For Sick Children in
Toronto, and I work with young people in improving their quality and
quantity of food and water intake as a means to improving their Urological
functioning (bladder, kidney's, sex development etc). My background is CYC,
primarily in Residential Care, so I feel your pain in preparing healthy
meals!
The method that I employ in altering food consumption (and type) is very
much phase like. For 4 days I ask the young person to record what they are
eating into a food journal (Thursday-Sunday). Once they have completed this,
it provides the young person and I a baseline to work from. We evaluate what
healthy food they actually enjoy eating, along with the not so healthy
foods. I challenge them each week to make a change; for example consuming 1
more glass of water in a day than they usually do. The process does take a
while, however I think that repetition and consistency leads to a change in
behavior. This may also be an appropriate method considering the peer/social
environment.
My past experience of managing a home for adolescent females, I think, has
taught me to do more thinking and less cooking! For example, during the week
the girls would volunteer to cook one evening during the week (with
available support if needed). The meals were required to be balanced, and
they would often enjoy finding recipes on the internet to try out. A great
resource that I have found to be helpful in terms of obtaining fresh produce
is registering with a food share in your community if possible. The produce
is grown locally and is sometimes delivered right to the Residence.
Finally, when youth communicate that they feel they are "being controlled"
when it comes to food, I often respond by reminding them that I care about
their health and that they deserve to lead healthy lives.
Most of my resources are Toronto based, however feel free to contact me if
you would like more information:
lisa.azzopardi@sickkids.ca
Best of luck,
Lisa Azzopardi
...
Hi Matt,
I work at a young parent program for parents who are finishing their high
school. We have similar problems with our clientele. Some things we've done
that have been very successful are: #1 Only provide healthy food! The
occasional treat is fine but if there is only processed food available most
of our society is not growing up with fresh food and learning how to cook
it. #2. Offer cooking classes. Perhaps a staff could find some simple but
healthy recipes and once a week whoever is interested could join in cooking
and eating the food. This has been extremely successful for our girls. Most
of them genuinely do not know how to cook and are excited to learn how to
make cheap, healthy, delicious recipes. #3. Have the staff work together.
Inform yourselves about what is healthy and learn more about what is nutritious. I know Health Canada offers lots of information online and I am sure that lots of other health units have information available as well.
Some grocery stores even offer a tour that helps you find the healthiest
food, compare prices, etc. #4. Find how what resources you have in your
area. Our local university has sent students who are studying in courses
such as dental hygiene to do presentations (they have to do it for their
course anyway) about good oral hygiene. Sometimes it is more effective
coming from someone else! #4. Have the same rules for everyone. We all need
to have good hygiene and should have healthy eating/living habits so it is
only fair to expect that from everyone. This can be done slowly and in fun
ways such as the cooking class or other group activities. You don't have to
cut out all junk food, just cut back. Most people find they enjoy fresh food
more and feel better.
I hope this helps! You're off to a good start by being aware of the
situation and taking the first steps to change it!
Callie Zerr
...
Hello Matt,
Our culture has deviated too far from what a 'home' cooked meal looks like.
For children in care, or poverty, food all too often resembles the box it
came in. Crappy food tastes good: salt, sugar and fat. I
remember my job in a residential home and the scary food the kids ate. I am
convinced it is contributing to health issues such as obesity, asthma,
diabetes, school performance, behavioural issues...
There are so many ways to bring back the celebration of food and enjoy the
food. Include the kids in menu planning, recipe searches, shopping,
cooking, and discussions of nutrition that these kids all so badly need.
Just because one kid is skinny now, does not mean she will stay that way
with processed food as the main source of fuel.
Start with getting the kids to help with raw food snacks. Challenge
them to
discover a new fruit. Have a contest of 'name that vegetable' then do
a taste test. Plant a garden.
Watch Supersize Me or read books by Eric Schlosser. I will never, not
ever,
eat at a Fast Food joint again.
Laura
...
Hi Matt,
I totally understand your dilemma.
I too deal with children that do not have proper eating habits and the
problem is compounded by the massive amount of advertising budget that
unhealthy food companies have to exploit their wares. It is insidious!
Have you considered making small changes at first?
For instance start by having fruit available, like apples, bananas and
oranges that the girls could just take when they wanted to.
After that, perhaps having one raw veggie at meal time, like cut carrots. I find that children tend to eat more veggies when they have a dip, so you
could find a lower fat, lower salt content dip.
These small changes can eventually add up to healthier eating.
There is a ton of information and studies available related to behaviour and
healthy eating.
You may want to consider accessing some of this data to buttress your
position as to why administration should make these healthy eating changes.
And of course, though you may not think that there is an effect, practicing
what you preach goes very far indeed, even on a sub-conscious level.
So, start with yourself!
Good luck, my thoughts are with you,
Ann Marie Beals
...
Hi Matt,
When my center tried to change their unhealthy meals they started with have
dietitian students (from Pitt) come in and make parfaits with every class
because it was a fun way to introduce more foods. I'm not sure what is and
isn't allowed at your school but maybe the employees could make a healthy
snack every once in a while to set up better habits. Even though the
children I teach are much younger they are still very picky eaters and would
rather have junk food than the lunch that is served to them. Now that the
only options are healthier ones they have become used to this change and now
like to eat the food. I'm sure it's really hard to an almost teenager and to
have to deal with all of other peers seeing that what you are eating is
different. It seems that having a program wide change would be a great
method to make everyone aware of nutritious foods and will make them lead
healthier and happier lives. I hope this helps you and your students!
Kathleen Buffa
...
Comment on Dean's statement.
I really liked your idea of growing your own vegetables. Not only is it
great to be outdoors, and physical connecting with the earth even in the
simplestform of pulling weeds, but to see your owncare put into something
that grows, and in turn nourishes you body is awesome. I did thiswith my
kidsat a full day care program a few years back and to this day they still
grow their own peas, corn, cucumbers. Coming from homes that don't always
provide the healthiest of snacks these children really enjoy eating the
fruits of their labour.
Sharon Glover
...
I relate to children being sent to childcare programs with food not suitable
for the time of day or even their bodies. I manage a daycare and we decided
to create a Healthy Food Idea brochure for the parents to take. It was an
informal method of providing ideas to the parents without signaling or
judging any of the parents. It can be difficult to talk with parents about
how they parent in regards to food choices especially with families who are
not financially stable to pay for a lot of healthy food items. Another
activity we have done in our programs is gather grocery store flyers and
have the children create a healthy food idea picture as an art project. It's
a fun way of discussing different food choices and sometimes the children
see new healthy items that they ask their parents for when grocery shopping.
Alison Friesen
...
Hi Matt,
I think this is a great question with a potentially great potential for
positive change. I totally agree that making a change would benefit
everyone in the house. How about putting a spin on it to engage the
whole house in learning how to cook. The major reason why we buy
packaged and processed foods is because it takes little effort to prepare.
By cooking the food from scratch, you would use fresh ingredients, and
therefore making healthier eating choices. This is a life skill that
is passed over and is not given adequate instruction and practice.
Baking cookies a few rare times, or making mini pizzas does not count as
learning how to prepare meals. Why should this girl be centered out
and feel like she is being punished for being fat? Kids, no matter
what age, like helping in the kitchen and contributing in making a meal.
I think you would find very positive results, health benefits aside, in both
self-esteem and taking ownership within the program.
Julia Evangelisto
...
Hello Matt,
I used to work in a group home and I suggested to the residents to grow our
own veggies. They were all against the idea at first, then when they saw how
great it was to be outside, most of them wanted to plant their own veggies.
It worked for them, not sure if it would work for all. They seemed to enjoy
growing and eating their product at the dinner table. I also introduced them
to non-dairy eating, more organic living, eating healthy, staying away from
all the rBGH in milk, anyway, Robyn's comments about getting them to help
cook their food is a great way for interaction and learning.
Best of Luck!
Keep it homegrown, Dean :)
Henry Laviolette
...
Hi Matt,
In reply to your concern for Jessica’s eating habits, I think a great way
to start would be to teach all of the girls the importance of nutrition and
possibly set a particular time of the day to bring forth knowledge about the
different types of food, what is healthy, what is a moderate amount of food
that girls their age should be consuming, discussions of the different food
groups and the importance of incorporating a certain amount of food from
each group daily. This way they are aware of the benefits certain foods can
have for them and especially for Jessica, she can understand why it is
important for her health to utilize this knowledge. Informing her of why she
is being expected to eat a certainamount of food and why the other girls
are allowed to eat more than her will make her more willing and able to be
in support of this if she is aware that it will benefit her. Giving a list
of healthy alternatives from each food group to the girls and asking them to
circle which food products they like and then incorporating those foods into
your program. Setting up a schedule for the daily meals that will be served
may also be helpful.
Aside from the eating aspect of this, including more physical activity and
teaching the girls the importance of being active could help with the eating
habits issue. Group physical activities would also allow all the girls to
connect with each other and allow Jessica in particular to not feelleft
out.
Just a few thoughts, good luck to you!
Lindsey Byrnes
...
There is also a commercial on now in Atlantic Canada that speaks to the very
issue of families growing their own gardens and children helping take care
of them. They claim the children are more apt to eat it if they took
care of it...interesting....:)
Muriel
...
Healthy eating habits are oh so important, but it must be taught to parents.
Being a headstart teacher I have parents that bring their children to school
before 9am with cookies, 20 oz bottles of pop, bags of hot chettos, bags of
candy, etc. When they come in you have to bribe them to eat some breakfast
or even to save it for later. Even if parents don't have time in the
mornings there is a lot more quick healthy choices for breakfast they just
have to be shown somehow someway for the sake of the children.
Terra Campbell
