It’s time we started to really pay attention to what love is regarding food. Is it loving to reward a child for good behavior with sweets? The child may feel loved at moment, just as we feel good for moment when we reward ourselves with junk food, but in long run it is not loving to indulge ourselves or our children in eating foods that erode rather than promote health and well-being.

There has been much research into health and nutrition since I learned about it forty years ago. I try to keep up by reading latest books, but it tends to get confusing regarding what is healthy and what isn’t. I have learned to tune into my body so I know which foods are good for me and which are not. I know how much protein I need, how much carbohydrates I need and in what form, and how much fat I need. When my children were growing up, I encouraged them to pay attention to how they felt in reaction to foods they ate. Only by encouraging our children to tune inside and trust their inner experience will they learn to know what is right for them and what is wrong for them. It is too easy to get swayed by latest diet, latest information regarding health. Yet each of our bodies are different so we each need to know what balance of proteins, fats and carbs we each need to support our health.

This means that we can’t impose on our children what works for us. We need to notice, and encourage our children to notice, what works and what doesn’t work for them. But what does not work for anyone is processed foods, preserved foods, foods with pesticides, and sugar. Loving ourselves and our children means eating whole natural foods, even if your family complains.

Do not underestimate effects of good or poor nutrition on health of your children’s minds and bodies. Is it more important to you to have control over how your children feel about you by indulging them in unhealthy foods, or is it more important to be loving to them by providing them with opportunity to have strong and healthy bodies and minds?

If you really want to be loving to your children, learn about good nutrition and be solid in your convictions.

Watch for Free Days and Free Events

Many museums, zoos and aquariums have free days. This is often one day per month such as first Tuesday or last Friday. There are a lot of museums that are fun and have areas tailored towards kids. In art museums ancient cultures exhibits are often fun for kids.

Open Houses, Openings and Festivals

Sports teams often have a free open house before season starts. Also make note of free festivals and events in your communities. Check your local paper and chamber of commerce for upcoming events.

Zoo Membership

If you have kids who love to go to zoo you should consider a family membership. It can be a great value if you plan on going often and have a zoo nearby. Similar memberships are available at museums and aquariums as well.

Farmers' Market and Swap Meets

You don't have to spend much money to have a good time at your local Farmer's Market. Most communities have them on Saturday or Sunday every week during Spring, Summer and early Fall. You can buy some great vegetables for less than you pay at grocery market and usually there is something fun for kids to do.

Library and Bookstore Events

Next time you go to bookstore or library pick up an events calendar. They often have live music or book readings that might interest your family.

This is just tip of iceberg. Keep your eyes and ears open and you will find many more opportunities to have fun with your family without spending a lot of money.

Fisher Swanson is a regular contributer to Daily Thrifty Tips newsletter at ThriftyFun.com. ThriftyFun publishes information about thrifty living. Send an email to dailythrifty-on@thriftyfun.com to subscribe to The Daily Thrifty Tips newsletter. http://www.thriftyfun.com

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