Feeding Better Behavior
If you have been focused on the natural health community for any length of time you have likely seen a number of studies linking children’s behavior to their diets. Remember the old adage, you are what you eat? While of course, eating cookies won’t turn your sweetie into one, the underlying wisdom is that what we put in affects what comes out. This can be seen day in and day out with our children as well as children we observe. When we feed children processed foods, sugars and dyes the effect can be quite dramatic on the behavior that comes out. On the flip side, if we pay attention, and ask the nanny to do the same, we can actually feed better behavior.
Chemicals affect kids
When you pick up sugary packaged snacks at the grocery there are processed chemicals in the cute little packages that are designed to preserve the food item for a longer shelf life. Instead of the convenience of pre-packaged foods, ask your nanny to spend some time (employing the children to help too) making healthy real food snacks. This can be done simply by using zipper snack bags to make up convenience foods like almonds and organic dried fruits with carob chips. Another suggestion is to lay out a lesson on the food groups and then have your mother’s helper take the children to the store to buy fresh organic produce for snacks while you work from home.
Less sugar makes a difference
When your children eat less processed sugar you will also see, as will your help, that there is less hyperactivity, aggression, and inability to focus in your children. This is also a winning situation when you hire a nanny, she will not be scared off by the loud chaos of a slew of sugared up children. Using the less sugar is better method can also assist as you convince your help to stay on this track; it makes everyone’s job easier.
Ban the dyes
Many of the convenience foods and drinks that we allow to sneak into our diets have artificial dyes in them that also affect behavior. There are some pretty significant studies on dyes and hyperactivity so opting to avoid synthetic or artificial dyes is the best idea when attempting to aid your children to be healthier and have better behavior. Encourage your mother’s helper or nanny to only offer beverages and foods that are free from artificial dyes. Avoiding products that are sugared up in favor of real honest to goodness smoothies or pure, no sugar added fruit juices are the best options.
We all want children to be on their best behavior and to learn that their behavior is important. What better way to do this than to give them the best start possible by providing them healthy fuel for their bodies. Whether you are a working mom or a stay at home mom with help, the advantage of feeding better behavior is sure to benefit all involved.
