My older sister has four children.
Four perfect, well-behaved children. I’m not exaggerating.
These four children range in age from three to 14. While they are the great kids, they all have their own preferences when it comes to food.
One prefers noodles and sauce for dinner, another wants salmon and veggies, and another wants milk. (Guess which one.)
Keeping everyone happy while still encouraging healthy eating habits and simply getting them to eat something is an everyday balancing act.
When my husband and I go to visit my sister and her family I am in awe of how my sister and her husband pull this off.
I do not have children, and sometimes I can barely manage my own life let alone caring for someone else.
It is actually pretty easy for me to plan, prep and stick to my clean eating daily. I only have to worry about myself, as my husband plans and cooks for himself. It works for us and we don’t have to worry about feeding anyone else.
For so many of you, this is not the case. You have kids to take care of and maybe a spouse to feed, too, and you’re trying to keep everyone happy while also eating healthy.
Even though it is going to be more of a challenge for you, don’t give up altogether. There are ways you can get your family (and yourself) eating healthy and it doesn’t have to mean anyone is miserable.
1. Start small.
I recommend this to everyone but especially when you’re trying to change your family’s habits and not just your own, you need to take it at a snail’s pace. Your kids are much more likely to accept change if it happens slowly and without too much suffering. Look to replace one bad habit (like soda or junk food in front of the TV) at a time.
2. Think “adding” new habits rather than “eliminating” old ones.
If you can make your kids think they are gaining something new rather than giving something up, they’re less likely to fight it. Can you add a healthy snack (maybe something they won’t know is actually “healthy”) as a treat after school, instead of letting them grab candy and head out the door? Make it exciting and rewarding for them instead of a punishment.
3. Get everyone involved.
Maybe assign a day of the week to each child and let them pick what to have for dinner. They can even help shop for the ingredients and prepare it. If the kids feel involved, they won’t see it as something being forced on them.
4. Lead by example.
Sometimes just doing things that are good for ourselves inspires others to change. Plan healthy meals and snacks for yourself and make time to workout, without saying anything to your spouse or kids. Model the healthy habits and behaviors you want them to have. As they see you feeling good and being happy doing things that are healthy, they will become interested in it naturally.
5. Have a heart to heart.
This one is only for your spouse, and it is a tough one. Not everyone has to love working out or eating healthy, but when it comes to your family and your kids’ future, it is vital you and your spouse share the same values and are on the same page. If you want the kids to eat healthy and he is encouraging them to smash junk food, that’s a problem. You may need to have a serious heart-to-heart, first with yourself, then with your spouse about what’s important and what you are and are not willing to sacrifice.
Clearly, I’m no expert in raising kids or balancing a busy family at home. I’m married with a dog and my husband and I are completely on the same page with our habits and values.
But I have my own struggles that are different from yours or another person’s. Every one has areas of their lives they want to improve and obstacles to overcome. The key is not giving up. There is always a way.
If your health and the health of your kids and family is a top priority, you will find a way to make it happen. Try some of the tips above and take it slow. You won’t transform your family in a day, but given a little time and perseverance you might be amazed at what you can actually accomplish.
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