MORTHER’S JOURNAL: Pack ample fruits for your child

I have observed that several parents do not pack fruits for their children to eat during their school break time. It is common for parents to pile their children’s containers with sweet starchy snacks and processed drinks instead of fruits, water or fresh juice. The fact that children play a lot, sweat and get dehydrated calls for an immediate revision in the kind of snacks that parents pack for them. Teaching children to eat fruits and drink enough water daily rejuvenates their body energy and promotes healthy child growth. There are several kinds of fruits that children enjoy eating. These include; watermelons, passion fruits, bananas, papaya, pineapples, apples, oranges and mangoes. For the mothers and fathers who have struggled to entice their children into eating fruits, all is not gloom. Over a certain period of time, children always pick up the habit of eating fruits regularly. It is a process they learn as they grow. Sometimes having a fruit basket on display, or buying fruit toys will encourage children who are hesitant about eating fruits to like them. The sight of colourful objects has always intrigued children and therefore, parents should try out this approach and see if the results are not worthwhile. On the other hand, if a child rejects eating fruits, they should not be forced to eat them. This only makes them reject fruits even more. Instead, understand that children learn to eat certain foods with time. Fruits are a component of a healthy diet as they prevent diseases like scurvy and common colds as well as strengthen the body immunity. Research shows that fruits contain a number of essential vitamins and minerals that cannot be found in other types of foods. For example; water melons contain up to 94 percent water which is essential for body hydration. Fruits contain plenty of fibre, which the body needs to cleanse and rid itself of waste and toxins. Therefore, eating fruits prevents children from getting dehydrated and constipated. Parents should adopt the habit of packing fruits and fresh juice or water in their children’s school food containers. Ends