Cheerios Asks

I have recently been selected as a Cheerios blogger circle member! I am super excited about this opportunity. Please feel free to head on over to the Cheerios Facebook page and take a look at all of the other CBCs as well.

So, my first topic is, "As a homeschooling mother to four kids, how do I use quality time with my children to ensure the best nourishment for their body and mind?" Great question!!

One of my biggest influences to my kids is my actions, not just my words. When I became a parent this became painfully obvious to me as my children got older and started emulating some of my not so pleasant habits. Now, on the flip side this can be extremely rewarding when you see your children displaying qualities such as generosity, kindness, compassion, etc. Children are like sponges absorbing all that they can.

The thing is, if I want my kids to be well-mannered, healthy and active - I’ve got to grow and practice these myself. Wow.

And let me tell you, I am still figuring things out. A is only in first grade with B in a mixture of preK and K (another beauty of homeschooling - the flexibility). My desire is to create/nurture an environment where questions are asked and there is freedom to learn.

And at the end of my homeschooling days I would like to go on Jeopardy - just kidding.

One thing I learned (as a parent!) that we have had success with as a family is simply categorizing food two ways: grow food or junk food (this concept is from Dr. Sears). "Grow” foods would be veggies, grains, fish, fruit, salads, and cereals. Most junk food is really easy to identify!

My kids practice sorting grow and junk foods during a school assignment.

C determining that watermelon is indeed a grow food.

A, B and C's finished assignment

Does this mean we are perfect and never eat junk? Hardly! We love parties, and always have cakes and ice cream! But, let me tell you, when one of my kiddos has eaten nothing but crap, their attitude is usually in the toilet and we don't accomplish much. Anyone else ever been here before??

I have. It has the SAME effect on ME.

Food Pyramid diagrams

The Food Pyramid takes it one step further in classifying foods: grains, vegetables, fruits, oils (not its own group but you need some for good health), milk, meat & beans. I love that the most recent diagram has a person climbing up a staircase to the top of the pyramid, emphasizing that not only is nutrition and what we put into our bodies important but daily exercise and physical activity as well. This concept is awesome for children - and for us, too! My advice is to get out and play together as much as you can; try to include your family in your exercise when possible.

I love to walk down to the neighborhood park with my kids when the weather is nice and read some of our schoolbooks there followed by “play” time.

These are just a few simple examples - there is so much more! What are some of your thoughts? I would love to hear them.