The Role of Adults in Children’s Health: Instinct or Controversy?

September 20, 2025December 12, 2025 SuzanneLeave a comment

Unhealthy children, and the longstanding, natural ability of adults to observe the signs and symptoms is on the hot seat.

Why? When did observing children’s behavior and signs of illness become controversial?

Haven’t adults always played a quiet role in safeguarding children – through instinct, observation, and care?

I don’t know when it happened, but somewhere along the way, noticing things became controversial. Huh? Especially when it comes to children. Really?

On a personal note: my first thought is my own mother. I’m glad she noticed when something was wrong and kept me home from school.

Then there were the teachers. Yeah – I think they can spot a child who is unhealthy. Thankfully, most teachers care enough to inform the parent.

That all seems normal to me.

People have been observing kids forever and making decisions along the way. Consider that children depend on adults for guidance. Adults explain the reasons they need woolly hats and mitts in the winter. They explain why children should drink extra water on hot days. Adults also ensure they look both ways before crossing the street.

But things are different now. Apparently.

Lately, even the most basic observations about children’s health seem to spark controversy.

Recently, Robert Kennedy noted that children don’t look as healthy as they used to. Gasp. He observed obese kids at the airport. Gasp. He noticed they were fixated on their devices. Gasp.

What nerve!

How dare he!

But, don’t worry… the dedicated mainstream news pointed out his outrageous behavior. They very clearly pointed out that Mr. Kennedy is NOT a medical doctor.

Maybe, the rest of us – observant adults better take heed. We are, after all, just regular folk. No medical degrees either. Gasp! We might have some common sense – but, that doesn’t count. As. We. All. Know!!!

Hi… My name is Suzanne. I write middle-grade health fiction stories. I aim to encourage kids to make better, healthier choices for themselves through light and lively narratives.

The topics covered are serious – as they relate to chronic childhood diseases – however, the format is entertaining.

Through humour, outrageous predicaments, and… ah… a few health nerdy clashes, children learn about the issues. Most importantly, they learn how they can improve their own health habits.

To learn more about my books visit my author page on Amazon.

Children's Health · Parenting · Responsible Parents

Listening to Kids: What They Say and Don’t Say

August 23, 2025December 12, 2025 SuzanneLeave a comment

Hearing what kids say, and what they don’t say, is an important aspect of parenting.

When children first start speaking, parents are thrilled. They catch every new word (even when adoringly mispronounced) and they share their joy with … just about everyone they know and – considering TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and etc., a whole lot of people they don’t know.

As time goes on, those wonderful first words turn into a lot of chatter, and chatter, and even more chatter.

Somewhere along the way, many parents sorta tune out some of the gibber-jabber. It’s not hard to understand why. A child’s repetitive chatter is well… repetitive.

But parents should not relax when it comes to listening to their children. As their child’s world broadens, so do the influences – both positive and negative.

From neighborhoods, to schools, after school activities and… of course, let’s not forget their friends… children face many situations.

So yes, parents cherish their baby’s first words. They’re extremely attentive. As they should be.

But, as time speedily moves on, parents need to be even more vigilant about their child’s expanding world.

The harmless chatter from toddlers and preschoolers can change suddenly. This can happen overnight, if parents do not keep their listening skills sharp.

As a responsible parent, you want to tune into the things your kids don’t (or maybe can’t) put into words. To do…

Sharpen Your Listening Skills

Catch What’s Missing

Sudden changes in your child’s interests/routines: If circumstances don’t seem to justify the reasons… then their wish to change a formerly cherished hobby may show something has become uncomfortable for them. Refusing to go to places they used to love may also signal discomfort. This discomfort might be causing anxiety.
When they avoid certain topics: Watch for kids who dodge questions about their friends, school, or even their feelings. This behavior may mean that something is amiss.
Becoming unusually quiet: Children tend to talk a lot about… everything. If that changes, and they become withdrawn, it may indicate they don’t know how to express their concerns.

Key body language cues to look out for

Facial expressions: If the expression on their faces doesn’t match their words, it can be a sign. They might not be truthful. A blank stare or a forced smile when they claim they are okay might indicate this.
Defensive posture: A child who fidgets, crosses their arms, or turns away from you may indicate they are withdrawing. This behavior may signal that something or someone is causing them discomfort or worry.
Attitude changes: emotional stress may be expressed as either sudden need for independence or excessive clinginess.

Listen to word choice & tone of voice

Vague: A child who says “I don’t care” or “whatever” might mean the exact opposite.
Too apologetic: Self-blame might mean a growing low self-esteem or they don’t want to disappoint you.
Joking about serious things: Humour can be a cover for insecurity.

What To Do Next…

As a concerned parent, you may have heard some of the following suggestions… “Validate your child’s feelings without telling them what to do.” (That makes sense.) “Ask open-ended questions to give your child the opportunity to fill in the blanks.” (Yeah, another good one.)

You could probably list several yourself.

But the big takeaway should be found within a parent’s attitude and commitment.

As children grow, they struggle to ‘fit in’ to their surrounding world. They might come across as being unreasonable or argumentative. They can also appear frustrated, etc. Parents often take the hit and trying to navigate through it, is similar to crossing a landmine.

The smart parent will understand and NOT take any outbursts as PERSONAL. They realize that all the ups and downs are part of that all important process we typically call… growing up.

In hindsight, those earlier toddler and preschool years were, not only wonderful, but much easier. However, remind yourself (repeatedly) that the ‘growing up’ years are also wonderful.

Strive to become a parent who understands. Allow your child the time they need to establish a firm footing in the world. You’re there to help when it’s necessary and … guess what … your child knows it.

Now… whether or not you should trust their friends, school, neighborhoods, etc… Not so much. Be vigilant and remember to listen to what your child is not saying. They may need you to step in with a few tips here and there along the way.

Suzanne writes fiction for kids 10-14. Her latest efforts target kids’ health and wellness. If you, or someone you know, are interested in lively health-focused narratives,for the children you care about, then visit her author page on Amazon.

Thanks for the visit.

Children's Health · Nutritional Health · Parenting

Ultra-Processed “Food” and Kids

December 7, 2023 SuzanneLeave a comment

Today’s kids eat far too many ultra-processed foods or real-food-alternatives. Most people know this.

Besides the health problems (cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, obesity, depression, and some types of cancer) associated with a high ultra-processed diet… is the far more alarming false distinction that exists between ultra-processed food and junk food.

It’s Confusing… especially for children

For example: Soda and potato chips compared to fruit juice and most granola bars…one sounds like ‘junk food’ and the other sounds ‘healthy’.

The reality however is far different. Chips and most granola bars, soda and fruit juice… ultra-processed.

Sadly, not all parents are aware, or they don’t take this problem seriously. Maybe, they themselves are addicted to an ultra-processed diet, and the cycle continues.

The scary facts: By some estimates (depending on what article you’ve read) a staggering 73% of food products in our grocery stores are ultra-processed.

The Results for Our Children…

A 2022 study by the American Society for Nutrition found that kids who consumed more ultra-processed foods had lower levels of physical fitness.
Researchers from England’s Imperial College London stated that high consumption of ultra-processed foods increased risk of childhood obesity. They discovered that one in five kids obtained 78% of their calories from ultra-processed foods.
The CDC reported a high obesity rate among children and teens…a staggering 14.4 million.
First Steps Nutrition Trust (UK) found nearly one third of baby/toddler foods are ultra-processed.
Studies also showed lower cardiovascular fitness in 12-15 year-old kids who consumed ultra-processed foods.

What does this mean for concerned parents?

Our children are consuming things today, that were not available to them, say, one hundred years ago…give or take a decade or two.

Added sugar, seed oils, chemicals, preservatives, emulsifiers, and so on literally plague our modern foods and they are slowly, but steadily…killing us.

The trajectory our children are currently on… those who eat more ultra-processed foods… is an unhealthy life as adults…

A recent study published in Cell Metabolism found that an ultra-processed diet led to an increase in liver fat, body weight, fat mass, and insulin resistance.
Another study found that these adults were more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and other metabolic diseases.

Ultra-processed foods include: prepared foods like hotdogs, hamburgers, pizza, chicken wings and nuggets, as well as breakfast cereals, candies, packaged snacks, sweetened yogurts and juices, and canned soups.

It’s an epidemic that does not get the attention it deserves. Therefore, we continue down a path of poor health and the evidence is mounting.

Childhood Obesity, and Childhood Type 2 Diabetes were basically unheard of a few decades ago, but have now become a serious concern.

Grocery stores (places we trust) are stuffed with products that pass as food. These foods, (those with lengthy labels attached), are well-known to be ultra-processed. Consider that for every real food there is an ultra-processed alternative.

What’s a concerned parent to do?

Of those utlra-processed foods, a staggering number of cereal boxes alone, target children, both from the visible packaging to heavily commercialized ads. These cereal boxes, and ads, are enticements that present an overwhelming pressure; let’s not even think about snacks, beverages, frozen pizza, cookies, and on and on.

The above speaks to the numerous challenges concerned parents face on a daily basis. And what many of us have come to realize…nagging kids to choose foods without added sugar, seed oils, and etc. is not the best approach.

Deceptively Cute, Loving Picture – Not Helpful to Concerned Parents

So…given the almost insurmountable problems associated with kid targetted ads, pressure from peers, and of course…their own so called ‘sweet tooth’…what’s a concerned parent to do?

How do they reduce their child’s intake of sugar and ultra-processed food substitutes?

How to Get Kids Off Ultra-processed food

Remember you are the parent…which means you are in charge. It might sound overly simple but the reality is…you don’t have to purchase the junk that your kids want. Putting your ‘proverbial’ foot down is not as hard as you might think. No one forces you to buy that horrible processed cereal (you don’t have to give in to the whining and nagging). Furthermore, with a little planning… breakfast can be nutritious and enjoyable. Examples include: plain yogurt with fruit, nuts, and seeds, scrambled eggs, whole wheat toast (especially if it’s homemade), hot cereal such as oatmeal or cream of wheat.
Set the example…which means you have to stay away from the junk food…first! Kids don’t fall for their parent’s “do as I say, not as I do” speeches. This approach rarely works no matter how convincing you try to voice your concerns.
Get educated…which means you have to understand the very real dangers of ultra-processed, sugar laden ‘foods’ to our metabolic health. With ample information, readily available online…there really is no excuse. Even a basic foundation on benefits to health and wellness, to a more indepth study at the cellular level…everyone can arm themselves with the facts. Knowledge is far more powerful than most people realize.
Choose the right tools…which means investing your time and energy for the best items to spark the entire family into making better choices. This might be as simple as a jump rope to a more extravagant club membership. Whatever you decide, know that your efforts are worth every ounce of planning and penny spent (lol on that penny part…even though cost is not a laughing matter these days).

Choose Minimally Processed Foods for Your Children

Fresh vegetables and fruits (with more emphasis on vegetables, stay away from candies, carbonated soft drinks, “fruit” drinks and energy drinks)
Fresh meat and fish (avoid processed meats like hot dogs, sausages, luncheon meats, poultry and fish “nuggets” and “sticks”)
Dried legumes (avoid plant based meat substitutes)
Whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice, and whole wheat bread (restrict packaged breads, pastries, cakes, cookies, cake mixes)
Dairy products (organically raised and fed if possible; do not include flavored yogurts or processed cheese slices)

Read Labels… The longer the label the higher the ‘ultra’ part in ultra-processed.

To consider … choose the right books to help your child acquire their own health-awareness education.

Granola Brea Books by Suzanne Rightley might be just what your health-conscious family needs. This series of books is a small investment with an educational punch for kids between the ages of 10-14.

“Arming this age group, with a few healthy facts…before they are flung into the teen world, is a positive step toward helping your kids strive for, and achieve, health and wellness. If you don’t believe me…ask Granola Brea.” Suzanne, 2023

“abetterchat” with Suzanne · Kids Books · Sports-themed books for boys · Teens · Work Ethics

Tee It Up

May 30, 2023May 30, 2023 SuzanneLeave a comment

What are your favorite sports to watch and play?

Funny thing about me and sports… ah… I don’t do sports. Lol. It may be because I don’t have a competitive bone in my body or I’m naturally clutsy. In any case I don’t have a favourite sport to either watch or play..

My husband, on the other hand, played hockey, baseball, lacrosse, and who knows what else, growing up. I get exhausted just hearing about it. And… for a time pursued golf both as an amateur and as a professional.

I do exercise… a lot actually, because of the benefits of exercise combined with a healthy diet (no added sugar and harmful seed oils).

I do write children’s fiction and have a sports-themed series going called Tee It Up, mainly because I can take advantage of my husband’s vast knowledge of sports. 😉

Eddie has what it takes to be a hockey superstar but struggles with making the big career choice because of his love for golf. With the help of family, friends (old and new), Eddie discovers a lot about himself during his summer job. Good book choice for boys 12-15.

Learn more about Suzanne Rightley’s Tee It Up Series. Visit her author page to discover more children’s fiction stories available as ebooks or paperback.