One of the healthiest habits we can pass onto our children is how to eat well. As parents, we know the value of food and how it impacts on all aspects of our lives. Creating healthy eating habits in your kids is likely to have a positive impact on them in their adult lives.
1. The Origin Of Food
When we go to the supermarket, the food is often displayed in a clinical way in plastic packaging. It is washed and processed. As adults, we know where the food comes from, and we have an awareness of the processes it goes through. It is important that kids are aware of this too.
There are several ways we can teach our children about the origins of their food. One way is to take them to a working farm. Many farms allow visitors and staff will explain how everything works.
Another way is to raise livestock at home. Keeping chickens has become popular in recent years. And it’s a great way to teach your kids about good food. Freshly laid hen eggs are different to those that are bought at the supermarket. Once you taste one, you will be reluctant to go back.
Of course, hens need care and attention. They also need to be fed with good quality food. This teaches kids about nutrition. The better the quality of food, the better the eggs. It is also a good lesson in care and respect.
If you’re thinking about keeping chickens, they will need shelter, somewhere to run, food, and water. Fox resistant chicken coops can be purchased from companies like Eggshell. They are easy to assemble, and many are also portable.
Finally, chicken poop makes a great fertilizer. This can be recycled and used elsewhere in your garden to feed plants.
2. Growing Your Own
Another excellent way to teach kids about food is to get them involved in growing their own. The good thing about this is that anyone can do it. You don’t even need a garden. Plants such as tomatoes and herbs can be grown successfully in pots on windowsills. If you do have some outdoor space, you can turn some of it into a mini allotment. It needn’t encroach on your outdoor haven. You only need a small plot.
Get children involved from the beginning. Explain to them what you intend to do and let them plan it with you. They can be involved in everything from preparing the soil to choosing the seeds. If you can provide a small space just for them, even better.
Go through the whole process with them. Once the seeds are planted, show them how to water them. As they begin to grow, you may need to look into ways of keeping the birds and pests away from them. This is all an education.
Once the food is harvested, encourage kids to help with preparation and cooking. The first meal you have that is made up of your own produce is wonderful.
3. Lead By Example
The best way to teach your children about the value of good food and its effect is to lead by example. Practice healthy habits yourself. Eat good food that is cooked from scratch. Teaching children is only part of the equation. For success, you need to model those lessons.