"Luc, Luuuuuc!" As a parent chasing my high school son on my bike, lunchbox in hand, I know the drill. Like many families, we prioritize nutritious meals amid school temptations like cafeteria sandwiches or vending machine snacks. We pack sandwiches topped with fruit or snack vegetables to keep things healthy.
Encouraging healthy snacking is tough in primary school and even harder in secondary, where parental influence wanes. As an experienced parent of two, I share our strategies to guide adolescents toward better choices—even if it means a sweaty bike ride.
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Recently, Tilburg's Don Sarto primary school made headlines by requiring students to drink only water—no sugary drinks or lemonade allowed. Back in October 2015, we covered a daycare pioneering similar healthy habits. Healthy eating and drinking in schools has been a key topic for years. As parents navigating this, here's our approach. Share yours in the comments!
Lotte is in group 5 of primary school, while Luc is in year 2 of secondary school.
Group 5 marks the upper years for Lotte, joining the 'big kids.' Luc navigates a class of teens testing boundaries and peer influence.
Both get two sandwiches—they won't eat more—plus fruit or snack vegetables for breaks and a water bottle. They pick the night before: an apple, bell peppers, or carrots. We phased out gingerbread and orange juice for Luc in primary school.
Read also: Not eating sugar is a challenge in itself!
For Lotte, higher primary years bring peer pressure—cookies or candy from classmates make healthy packing harder. We cut fruit and veggies into pieces for appeal. Albert Heijn's pre-cut snack vegetables save time in our busy mornings.
No strict rules here, just a request for small, healthy birthday treats—often ignored. Lotte already asks for chips next birthday (10 months away!), seeing peers do it. Popularity spikes with treats like that. Secondary school has fewer rules and no treats— a relief!
Luc drinks plenty, including water at school and tea evenings (no weekday cola). Lotte struggles—she likes water but dislikes the bottle aftertaste and rarely feels thirsty. Bottles return full.
Struggling with bottled water? Try Albert Heijn's Wallie the Whale mineral water packs—tasty, healthy, and visually appealing to kids.
I managed healthy treats like fruit skewers for Luc through group 7. Group 8 brought chips, but it was his last year. Lotte's pressuring early; I consult other parents via class app for healthy consensus. Easy unhealthy options tempt some, but I advocate better. Inspiration: fruit/savory treats online or Albert Heijn's egg-tomato mushrooms.
No strict rules—we lead by example at home for healthy eating, with occasional treats. Explaining restrictions to peers feels excessive; home sets the standard.
Left to their own, my kids would pick chips for breakfast. They enjoy healthy foods with broad tastes, yet gravitate to fatty/sweet options. Relatable? Prep time for veggies is a barrier—Albert Heijn's ready packs help. Kids choose: Lotte picks bananas and peppers (skips celery).
Marketing targets kids with colorful unhealthy packaging; plain water can't compete. Since 2017, kids' heroes can't promote junk food—a win. Standardize healthy defaults, save treats for special moments. What’s your take?
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