- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- preschoolers today articles
- preschoolers today q&a
- children today articles
- children today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Expert Q&A
 |  |  |
| By Christina Pirello Christina Pirello is the host of public television's Christina Cooks series, and the author of Cooking the Whole Foods Way (HP Trade, 1997), Christina Cooks (HP Trade, 2004) and Glow (HP Trade, 2001). | ||
 |
How can I ensure my kids eat right during the day when I know the school lunches are not so great?
Lunch at school is quite different than when we were children. In many schools, our kids have only minutes to eat, so they gulp down whatever they have at their fingertips and rush back to their day. They don't always make the right choices or they skip lunch completely.
That's where parents must serve as role models. The responsibility comes back to how we eat on a daily basis at home. It is vital that we instill the foundation of good eating habits in our kids. How is that accomplished? By spending time in the kitchen with our kids, preparing meals with them and showing them that food is the fuel our bodies need.
Lunches from home are the best assurance that kids are eating the right foods in the right proportions. To ensure kids eat their sack lunch, just follow their tastes. Do they like creamy dips? Try hummus wraps. Is pasta their passion? Try a pasta salad. Fresh fruit, natural chips and snacks are readily available through food retailers nationwide. Take the kids to the store with you. Involving them in their lunch choices goes a long way in assuring that they will eat the food that is best for their health.
If kids have good role models and a solid foundation on how to feed themselves, they'll make the right food choices (most of the time!).
Related Expert Q&A
- Can snacks be a positive part of my child's diet?
- My child won't eat anything without dipping it in ketchup. What can I do?
- My child dips everything in ketchup. Can this ruin a balanced diet?
- My son's lips get bright red and cracked. What causes this, and how can I prevent this?
- Can you tell me about the most common prescriptions given to children?
More Answers by this Expert
- I've been told to increase my vitamin E intake. Should I take a supplement, or are certain foods better options?
- Could you please list some foods that do contain all eight amino acids, therefore making them complete sources of protein?
- Are nuts OK to eat? Are some better than others?
- Is green tea good for you?
- I plan on eating better this new year. What simple changes can I make in my diet to get on the road to a healthier lifestyle?