School Age
Once our children enter into the school system, they will eventually become exposed to influences that far exceed food and nutrition. With our fingers crossed, breaths held and with (most times) very heavy hearts – we metaphorically “hand them over” to this new world that is known as “school.”
Whether you are the mother of high-school aged children, or a newlywed planning to ‘one day’ raise a family – this website was designed to embrace all ages, even though we really only emphasize the preschool years. The tools of prevention are naturally “easier” to implement before unhealthy habits are formed. But if you are a mom of high school children, perhaps battling issues of overweight and obesity, than this website will still provide valuable insight and solutions to areas of change, the positive effects of role-modeling and even critiquing your own parenting style: are you authoritative or authoritarian? But it’s never too late for making changes necessary to getting your family on the right track of healthy habits. Remember: your grandchildren will be the beneficiaries of good nutritional habits, even if you hopped on the train a bit late with your own children.
A Final Note
Much kudos is owed to legislation and the childhood obesity advocates that are working so hard to help make our school’s environments healthier for our children. Removing soda machines, modifying school lunches and even increasing physical activity during the school day will make a tremendous impact on maintaining the healthy habits that have already been established. However, many parents must understand that it is not only unrealistic, but also nearly impossible for our school systems to “fix” obesity in our children. As much as formal education on the science of nutrition is needed and will prove to be a tremendous benefit, it is the home environment that enforces both healthy and unhealthy habits. Obesity begins at home, but it is never too late to put an end to it.