3 Ways Moms Can Navigate the Challenges of Raising Healthy Kids

One of the biggest challenges moms face is ensuring that our children get the nutrition they need to grow and thrive. We all want our kids to be healthy and happy, but sometimes it can be a real struggle to get them to eat nutrient-dense foods, especially when they are picky eaters.

Moms also face a multitude of other responsibilities both at work and at home caring for their families, making it even harder to stay constantly engaged in the battle to provide optimal nutrition.

Unfortunately, many traditional kids' supplements, such as gummies, are loaded with sugar and don't provide the nutrients kids need. In this blog post, we'll explore these obstacles and provide some solutions to help moms overcome them.

Kids are notoriously picky eaters, making it difficult for moms to provide them with the nutrients they need. Moms, if you’re fed up with your own picky eater at home, you’re not alone.

According to the American Dietetic Association, approximately 50% of parents report that their child is a picky eater (1). This can make mealtime a frustrating experience for moms who just want to make sure their children are getting a balanced diet.

One way to overcome this obstacle is to get creative with food. This can be easier said than done for busy moms who are juggling multiple responsibilities, but persistence and patience are key. Try different recipes, presentation styles, and flavor combinations to entice children to try new foods.

A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that introducing a new vegetable repeatedly to children increased their acceptance of the vegetable (2). Even when initial attempts are well-received, keep at it. The toddler who throws his broccoli on the floor, just may become the child who gobbles up the “mini trees” served alongside dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets.

Moms have a lot on their plates, and it can be hard to find the time and energy to prepare nutritious meals for their children. We’ve all succumbed to the siren call of a fast food drive thru at some point. After all, it’s called convenience food for a reason!

One way to overcome this obstacle is to plan ahead. A little extra time spent planning and prepping meals on a weekend can pay big dividends during a busy week. The adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” certainly holds true here.

By taking the time to plan ahead, moms can reduce the stress of mealtime and ensure that their child has access to healthy, nutrient-dense foods throughout the week.

Many traditional kids' supplements, such as gummies, are loaded with sugar and don't provide the nutrients kids need. The American Heart Association recommends daily intake of added sugar for children be less than 25 grams per day (3). However, many kids' supplements can contain up to 5 grams of sugar per serving.

There’s great news for concerned moms everywhere: healthier alternatives are available! Thousands of women trust Mixhers to provide delicious and nutritious hormone-balancing supplements. Now women can turn to the brand they love to nourish the kids they love.

Mixkids delivers key nutrients such as hydration, greens, and vitamin C, all with zero sugar and the highest rate of absorption. Moms can feel confident that their children are getting the essential nutrients they need without the added sugar.

As moms, it can feel like we’re always on the go, yet we still want to provide our children with the best possible nutrition to help them grow and thrive. However, it can be difficult to find supplements for kids that don't have a lot of added sugar, and picky eaters can make mealtime a challenge.

Despite these hurdles, moms continue to find creative ways to provide their children with the best possible nutrition. Here's to all the amazing moms who are doing their best to raise healthy, happy kids!

References:

1. Morris, J. L., & Zidenberg-Cherr, S. (2002). Garden-enhanced nutrition curriculum improves fourth-grade school children's knowledge of nutrition and preference for vegetables. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 102(1), 91-93.

2. Fisher, J. O., Mennella, J. A., Hughes, S. O., Liu, Y., Mendoza, P. M., & Patrick, H. (2012). Offering “dip” promotes intake of a moderately-liked raw vegetable among preschoolers with genetic sensitivity to bitterness. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 112(2), 235-245.

3. American Heart Association. (2021). About Added Sugars. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sugar/about-added-sugars