Introduction
In our household, bulk shopping was always the norm. We would restock our fresh groceries every week, while the supply of dry rations was topped up as needed. These items served more than just pantry fillers, they played a significant role in my unique journey as a mother. I was able to teach my children valuable lessons through our everyday routines. For instance, I emphasised that things like soda and chocolate should not be everyday pleasures, but rather special treats. I established a consistent practice around these treats, creating an intentional routine that became an integral part of our family life.
Our Sunday Routine with Soda
In our family, each child was allowed one bottle of soda every week. This routine was less a strict rule and more a consistent practice that naturally integrated into our family life. The pantry, stocked with crates of soda, was always accessible, yet there were no instances of missing bottles. This reflects the respect and understanding my children had for our family's practice.
Chocolate Souvenirs from the Globetrotting Working Mum
My work as an International Consultant has taken me to various locations around the globe. Despite the demanding nature of my profession, I always managed to bring back some chocolate from my travels. Unlike the weekly fizzy drinks, our children enjoyed chocolate only on occasion. As with drinking soda and milk, the occasional chocolate became part of our family routine practices.
The Chocolate Rule in Our Home and the Sunday Visitors
When the children were younger, we used to store the chocolate in a beautiful Burundian basket, placed high on a bookshelf. The rule was simple: chocolate was an occasional treat. The children had chocolate so infrequently that I would often find myself throwing some away after it had passed its use-by date.
Sundays were family days when my nieces and nephews would visit. I would share our chocolate treats with them, which initially led to a misunderstanding. My children thought that I favoured their cousins because of the timing of these treats!
Fostering Healthy Choices: An Unexpected Parenting Strategy
Reflecting on it, my approach to discipline was likely shaped by my daily routine of preparing fresh fruit juices. With a variety of fruits like pineapple, watermelon, mango, and passion fruit readily available, my children never developed a craving for fizzy drinks. They grew to appreciate these freshly made, homemade juices as their favourite sweet beverages.
Turning Sweet Treats into Teachable Moments
Our unique routine was not just about teaching discipline. It also encouraged healthier snacking habits among my children. While they might not have chosen fruits over chocolate, I never had to force them to eat these healthy snacks. I remember a day when I took my seven-year-old daughter to a hair salon. She loved pineapple, so I had packed some for her. When the salon offered her a soda, she politely declined, saying that she preferred water and that she had her packed fruit!
By providing my children with a healthy, refreshing alternative to fizzy drinks, they never developed a desire for these beverages. In our home, items like soda and chocolate were just normal parts of our diet, which removed the special appeal often associated with these treats. Perhaps this lack of special attraction contributed to their preference for healthier options. I also avoided using sweets as rewards or bribes, as it can set a wrong precedent.
Conclusion
Sweet treats like chocolate, as tempting as they are, can pose health risks if indulged in regularly. I made it a point to explain to my children that these were not everyday snacks but special treats for occasional enjoyment. This approach not only helped them understand the concept of balance in their diets but also the importance of moderation in a fun and practical way.
Join the Discussion!
1. Have you tried a similar approach with your children?
2. How do you instill healthy habits in your family?
3. Do you have any unique parenting strategies that you would like to share?
I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this approach and learning from your experiences and ideas!
About the Author
Nite Tanzarn is an Independent International Consultant with a passion for advocating women’s and children's rights. As a mother herself, Nite understands the intricacies of parental guidance, including the benefits of moderation. Drawing from personal experiences and reflective observations, she shares insightful tips and strategies to support other parents on their journey. Through her perceptive writing and pragmatic advice, she aims to empower parents to foster their children's growth, independence, and passion for learning.
There was always soda at home but we mostly served it to guests. This habit persists...I rarely drink soda.
This is a clever way of ensuring moderation without depriving the family/children of treats.
I have a sweet tooth. and seems like my children are following suit. I will try the treats Sunday only and will let you know how it goes.
I love chocolates but "fortunately", I can't afford them
I always buy white chocolate but I think I sometimes eat more than what is healthy