Family Wednesday: What's For Lunch?

I remember as a child, the cafeteria was the Wall Street of food. Kids would bring lunches from home. Your lunch would determine your status in the lunchroom; any cupcakes or Twinkies you were considered first class and cookies middle class. No sweet was disappointing or turned away.

Having a character lunchbox was a plus too! Choosing a lunchbox highlighting your favorites shows, cartoons, characters and having the same as your friends was so COOL!!! Taking a lunch to school also set the mood for later when you got home.  Your feelings toward your parents depended on your lunch status for the day. Winter days included soup in the matching lunchbox thermos. Chicken noodles and tomato soups were my favorite...and don't forget the crackers! I remembered a time when we went outside and played; we didn't sit in the house in front of the TV or a video game.

Moving on to 2011...today we are having a huge FOOD FIGHT!!! Today we are dealing with food allergies, food nutrient and special diets (no pork, red meat and vegan). Some schools are sounding off on what your child can or cannot eat; taking the pop machines out of the school, no white flour, no sugar, no processed food or fast food.

So next time you pack your child lunch, add more fruits and vegetables. Give them flavored water and make their sandwiches on whole grain bread.

The school systems wants to give our children healthy choices, but they want to take away gym, health classes and recess. With this being done, teachers and staff must eat healthy lunches to show the students they believe in this method; no soda, no fast food nor takeout food for them.

Parents, fight for your kids’right on what they can eat.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_thelookout/20110411/us_yblog_thelookout/chicago-school-bans-homemade-lunches-the-latest-in-national-food-fight

~Takia

Let's Get Physical

Lately the media is focusing on the younger generation; labeling them as the fattest generation. What has happen over these the years? Are families sitting on the couch more? Are parents allowing children to eat more? I noticed the past generations was more physical; they had to walk to school, church, or work and not everyone could not afford car or bus fare. Riding a bike was another past time children enjoyed. So encouraging our children to ride their bikes can be easy for some parents. but some children are glued to their TV or video controllers.

These children are becoming husky, busty or just thick before their time. Is it something in the food or genetics? Some parents are in denial calling it baby fat when their child is looking like Baby Huey. It’s time for us parents to step up and take charge of our family's health. We need to change our eating habits. Becoming an active family is not hard, there are so many activities families can do.

Here a few PHYSICAL Activities.

• Bowling

• Skating

• Field games (Kickball, volleyball, basketball, football, baseball)

• Walking

• Swimming

• Dancing

Those are activities you can invite another families to join the fun.

From elementary we are taught exercising is very important to our body. We have some school systems removing Physical Education to make the budget, while you have some kids out of breath by the time they walk up a flight of stairs. Let the school systems know that you support Physical Education programs.

Last year, our First Lady launches a campaign LET MOVE!!

For more ideas and resource check out

http://www.letsmove.gov/

~Takia

Too Much Education (Back to School Part Two)

I’m a parent of two children, my son is in second grade and my daughter is in kindergarten. I strongly feel that school should start back in September, when it's a little bit cooler than the August heat. My children's school system has 19 schools without air conditioning. I understand the new policy stating the must attend school 180 days a school year. If my child misses so many days, Child Protective Services (CPS) will come knocking at my door. Your building does not have AIR CONDITIONING! If my child has a heat stroke,  who do we blame? How can my child function with the heat waves? They should be learning in a relaxed environment. So as parents, we need to step up and help.

 Donate fans to the child classroom.

 Dress your child cooler for the hot days.

 Donate water bottles.

 Have a cool snack for your child when they get home.

 Get involve with the school.

(PLEASE...parents get involve with your child school. Take time to visit and meet the staff. These are people who are a part of your child life for the next 9 months.)

~Takia

Back to School & Kids Part One

JCPenney.com

Can uniforms be FASHIONABLE?

Yes they can! Many public schools conformed their dress code and now require students to wear uniforms. Whenever I see my children wearing their uniform, it makes me feel good that I’m not completing against another parent in the fashion world. Without school uniforms many parents become stressed out, trying to keep up with the with the Jones, buying name brand apparel the family can't afford or the children don't need. Now there is nothing wrong with wearing name brand clothing, sometimes we get so caught up with the brand that you become that name. Few parents would agree that it helps them save money by buying uniforms rather than a $100 shirt and pant name brand outfit. Please read school handbook on uniforms before making any purchases and/or alterations.

 Save on Uniforms

 Family and friends are great resources. Start a "uniform trade night "where you trade gently used uniforms with each other.

 Sales and clearance are great way to stock up when you can.

 Go to the thrift, you might be surprise what you can find.

ChildrensPlace.com

Be creative with the uniforms

 Put your child's initials or school name on their clothes. (Monogram or iron-on)

Let your child wear school colors on Friday.

 Add a sweater vest in the winter time.

JCPenney.com

 

Support the school and buy a polo/sweatshirt from the school.

Let them express themselves with accessories from headbands, belts, socks, and neckties.

Start your shopping at JCPenney.com, Target.com or ChildrensPlace.com.

~ Takia