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questions and answers:
How can I make school party snacks
healthier?
From: Beth F., Texas
Teachers at my daughter's elementary school often give
parties to reward the kids at the end of a project.
The teachers or parent-helpers call me to ask me to
send in something from their list of junk foods (such
as soda, cheese puffs, and candy) and they are not interested
in my offer of the organic baby carrots or grapes that
I would normally give my daughter. How can I encourage
the school and teachers to offer healthy snacks, so
the kids don't associate junk food with a job well done,
and so I can feel good about supporting school parties?
I have raised
7 children and know what you are up against. Parents
are rushed and want convienence and easy-to-go
items for the snack time. Try a fruit pizza that
the class helps to make. Or trail mix (minus the
nuts — choking and allergic students) Make
with cereal, rasins, mini pretzels etc. Frozen
smoothies made from yogurt, fruits and oj. The
sky is the limit. Don't give up. Kids like to
try new things and your persistance will pay off.
Keep er goin'!
Mary L. New York
Fruit Kabobs are a great snack and hands-on fun.
Lots of cut up fruit and skewers. Anytime I have
done this for a party, the kids love it!
Kate, Canada |
Looking for non-toxic stain removal
products.
From: Susan D., Pennsylvania
I'm always conscious of not using chemicals around the
house or on my lawn, but I haven't found anything that
will remove the grass stains from the knees of my child's
jeans, or juice spots from the carpet. Everything from
the store is toxic and I don't want to use it in my
home or around my child and pets. Are there any non-toxic
products, or anything I can grow in my garden, that
would be useful?
Using environmentally
safe products to remove stains is a great way
to do your part for the planet, protect your family
and pets, and set a good example for your kids.
There are several non-toxic ways to remove stains
from both carpet and clothing…and all you
need are a few inexpensive kitchen ingredients!
Grass Stains
To get grass stains out of jeans, make a simple,
safe cleanser by mixing together baking soda and
water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the
stains, then work in some vinegar with a scrub
brush. The vinegar will cause a bubbling reaction
that will remove the stain.
Carpet Stains
Salt can absorb most fluid stains on carpet. Gently
blot the stain with a damp paper towel (be sure
to use cold water) to soak up the liquid, then
pour a little mound of salt on the stain. Allow
it to sit for several hours to let its natural
magic work. Then remove the salt by blotting with
a clean, damp paper towel.
Chewing Gum
To remove chewing gum from clothing or carpet,
warm vinegar in the microwave and pour it onto
the gum (be sure to use warm, not hot, vinegar
— it works better!). Wait a few minutes
and then gently scrape off the gum with a butter
knife. Repeat to remove any gum that remains after
the first application.
All-purpose Stain Remover
For a great natural stain remover that works on
anything from blood to gravy, mix two tablespoons
of lemon juice and two tablespoons of white vinegar
in 1 cup of cold water (hot or warm water will
set the stain). Pour the mixture on the stain
and use some old-fashioned elbow grease to scrub
out the spot.
Find more natural
cleaning tips.
The Editors of Kidsregen.org |
Special foods
for picky eaters?
From: Adrian K., Illinois
Any ideas for picky eaters/autistic kids that need to
keep yeast, dairy, gluten, and all sugars out of their
diets, and for the rest of the family?
When kids
have the love and support of their family, they
can handle the idea of a restrictive diet with
a more positive attitude. Here are two websites
that Kidsregen.org selected for their good ideas
and great recipes that may help you. Good luck.
Autism
Coach
50
Fabulous Gluten-Free Recipes
The Editors of Kidsregen.org |
Finding healthy food for school fund-raisers.
From: Colette B., California
I am a member of my daughter’s PTA and I am upset
with their refusal to seek out healthy alternatives
both in their "foods" fundraiser choices and
activity fundraisers. What I need is a list of some
business that might have healthy food kits that the
kids could sell. I’m sure there are many other
parents that are as disgusted as I am, who would like
to see alternatives. Can you help in any way?
Getting kids to stick to healthy eating!
From: Corinne R., Pennsylvania
I am one of these Moms who raised both her kids eating
healthy, organic (when available), food. As soon as
I sent them to school, they wanted to eat that terrible
food served in school cafeterias. Once kids have the
taste in their mouths they're hooked for life. Or are
they? Please, is there anyone out there that can give
me an idea on how to get my kids to stick to their healthy
diets (beside bagging — I tried that already)?
| Successful
bagging for me means getting the same foods the
other kids are eating, but organic. I use yogurt
sticks (not gogurt), "oreos," popcorn,
pretzels, cheese puffs, strawberry kefir, soy
nut butter snacks and the jelly belly legos. The
other kids think my sons' lunch is cool and so
I don't have the ridicule battle to overcome.
Have you seen the chicken nuggets shaped like
dinosaurs? Hope you're successful.
Sheila, Georgia
Try giving them rewards for sticking to healthy
food at lunch with an honor system. Special treats
they really want can be good motivators and help
them learn to be honest.
Michele B., California
I find that getting my kids to help me grow vegetables
in the garden, and helping to pick and cook them,
makes them very happy to eat them. Try starting
with something easy like tomatoes.
Stacey P., Florida
You can try talking to the school to get a salad
bar in the cafeteria. My son's school did just
that and amazingly enough, Jason eats a big salad
everyday for lunch (so he says!). I try to compensate
with a balanced dinner at night.
Anna, California |
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