It is generally understood that from conception to the first five to seven years of life (some argument here) a child’s brain is like a computer that readily accepts ‘downloads’ without any conscious effort on their part.
To understand the impact of the above statement, all a person needs to do is consider their own ‘default’ mechanisms. Example: under stressful situation what is his or her automatic reaction – run to the fridge, go full on silent treatment toward others, throw something, etc?
Parental Responsibility/Opportunity/Duty?
- Responsibilty – Parents want the best for their children. They want them to find their place in this world and to be content, happy, well-adjusted in life – in their careers, and personal relationships.
- Opportunity – Parents know the importance of the formative years. This is where a knowledgable parent takes advantage, and seizes the moment to build ‘character traits’ within the subconscious of their offspring, nurturing their individuality, personality, and intellect.
- Duty – Parents are expected to ‘rear’ their children into productive members of society. Is there a nation on earth that welcomes deviant behaviour in its citizens? Obviously not. To the contrary, a country can only benefit from a responsible, law-abiding population.
Nutrition and Making Healthy Choices
Parents are in a unique place…
- They can educate their children on merits of nutrition
- They can provide them with nutritious meals, controlled snacks, necessary intermittent fasting intervals (refering to time needed between meals for metabolic health reasons)
- Establish patterns of activity, exercise, sports, and so forth as a way of life; sitting around in front of TV screen/computer/mobile devices is not the best way to ‘pass time’ away
Ultimately… parents are the primary programmers of their child’s developing brain. The old adage of ‘do as I say, not as I do’ should give every parent of moment of reflection. Children are far more likely to ‘download’ your responses, your means of dealing with pressure, your choices, and etc. by what they witness you doing.
So, when it comes to making healthy food choices, help your growing child establish healthy patterns by first establishing your own. You might be able to give an impressive lecture on nutrition and the dangers of ‘added sugar’, but if your go-to response in times of stress is a bag of Oreos or a pint of Haagen-Dazs…
Then don’t be surprised if your child doesn’t make healthy food choices when hanging out with his or her friends.
Thanks for the visit.
Suzanne Rightley is a children’s author. She writes for independent readers between the ages of 7-15. Her genres include: mystery (7-9) detective (12+) sports-themed (12+) and health awareness (10-14).
For parents and teachers who look to educate kids in matters of health – Suzanne’s Granola Brea Series addresses issues of obesity, diabetes, dementia, and other metabolic diseases associated with poor lifestyles, including nutrition. Children learn about importance of making healthy choices as they laugh along with a 12-year-old health-nut… one hilarious incident after another.
After all… eating healthy isn’t always an easy thing to do… in our junk-food, overly processed world!
Visit Granola Brea’s Page on Suzanne Rightley‘s official website: Granola Brea Health-Nut
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