Children's Health · Freedom of Expression · Parenting

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

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.

Fiction for girls 7-9 · Fiction story for kids 10-14 · Kids Books · Mystery Stories for Girls · Parenting · Pioneer Kids Fiction · Reluctant readers · Sports-themed books for boys

Kids Fiction – Thoughtful Gift

Children books make timeless gifts, that never lose their appeal or importance, for kids of all ages.

Suzanne Rightley Books

Suzanne Rightley is an author of children’s fiction stories for independent readers who do not require pictures to hold their attention. Written with lively dialogue, plenty of humour, plots and subplots, mystery and intrigue – Rightley Books have a child’s natural curiosity firmly in mind.

If nurturing a child’s imagination is a priority, then Suzanne’s books encourage her readers to ‘paint the picture’ in their own minds.

Media influence surrounds us (and our children) everywhere we go. Seldom are we not assaulted by visuals that dictate what appeals to us. It’s a world of ‘bells and whistles’ and whether we realize it or not – we are guided (some would say manipulated) into what the ‘seller’ wants us to believe.

Photo by olia danilevich on Pexels.com

Children’s fiction requires no ‘bells and whistles’ if the narration provides the visuals in words.

A child’s imagination is still required to complete the comprehension process.

Pictures can be helpful, yes, but not necessary.

Encouraging children to search their minds’ eye to ‘see’ the story is a good thing.

Book Series by Suzanne Rightley

Buttercup Girls Mystery Stories

Light, fun reading for girls 7 -9 who love a few giggles with their mysteries.

Granola Brea Health-nut Books

Navigating through a junk-food obsessed world isn’t for the fainthearted.

Brea is determined to handle any predicament that challenges a true health-nut.

Full of hilarious moments appealing to 10-14.

Tee it Up Series

Junior golf is a growing sport and makes a great backdrop to explore challenges that face tweens and young teens. Topics include lifeskills, career choices, and family/friend/coworker relationships.

Note: Extensive knowledge of golf rultes/etiquette not required.

Relatable narrative for boys 12-15

Ivey Sisters, P.I.

Inheriting a detective agency presents challenges for Claire and Connie Ivey. With the help of loyal employees and a family friend/cop, the sisters tackle strange cases with surprising twists.

For mystery lovers ages 12-15

Visit Suzanne’s author page for details: Suzanne Rightley or visit her author website @ suzannerightley.com

Avoid Processed Food · Fiction story for kids 10-14 · Insulin Resistance · Kids Books · Nutritional Health

Granola Brea Book Series

Fiction for kids 10-14 who enjoy a few laughts while learning how to make healthy choices.

Brea isn’t your average 12-year-old girl. Nope! She’s a HEALTH-NUT (all caps).

Wholesome food is her thing… she studies and she knows a lot.

What Brea doesn’t know, is how to keep her big mouth shut.

She better figure it out…and soon…or Brea might find herself–on stage–at her brother’s high-school…gulp…as the keynote speaker!

In Confessions of a Health-nut… Granola Brea follows her destiny…

But challenging a crowd of unruly, junk-food obsessed teenagers — might mean an urgent call for the police!

In Spotlight on a Health-nut… Granola Brea’s destiny seems to be following her…

What do acorns, sleepover, school assembly, and a farmer’s market have to do with making healthy food choices?

Get ready to find out!

Move over doctors and scientists – it’s time for a kid to step up to explain what’s what!

Granola Brea Books 1 & 2 Available on Amazon

Granola Brea Books are hilarious tales of what one determined girl can accomplish with just a little bit of nutritional knowledge…

Note to Parents and Teachers

  • Ideal for indepedendent readers 10 +
  • Lively dialog between friends, family, community
  • Plenty of hilarious predicaments/occasional clashes, appealing to a child’s natural love of all things humorous
  • Delivers valuable healthy lifestyle info; instils the value of healthy choices
  • The main character is an independent thinker; she’s brave, sets goals, and demonstrates a willingness to battle her own fears, with the support and encouragement of family/friends
  • Health-conscious readers can identify with Granola Brea; navigating in a world of poor health choices, is a challenge for us all, yet this 12-year-old presses on, through all sorts of adversity…holding on to the nutritional facts
  • Ultimately, this series of books aims to increase awareness; topics such as Type 2 Diabetes, Obesity, and other metabolic-related diseases are explored… via the gentler, less-threatening format…we love…fiction

Book 1 Confessions of a Health-nut

Book 2 Spotlight on a Health-nut

Book 3 Coming Soon