Follow with statements on how much better you have been feeling since eating "right" and comment on any noticed changes in children's health or behavior. For example: "Johnny, you sure have been easier to get out of bed in mornings since we've changed our diet."

Don't neglect an opportunity to point out to children when a slip away from healthful eating produces direct negative physical discomfort. Whether it's affecting you ("Boy, that ice cream sure gave me a headache!") or them ("Johnny, see how you are acting since you've eaten that piece of cake?"

Keep "wrong" food out of house. That way your kids won't be tempted into eating something they shouldn't. If you must go to store to get something, you will often think twice about whether it's needed -- OR NOT.

Children learn by example. A household that manages food properly will help children adopt healthy eating habits.

Here are a few quick additional tips:

• Praise your child's efforts to make better dietary choices. • Stock pantry with healthy foods. • Provide balanced meals at regular times. • Keep snacks healthy (raw fruits, veggies, etc.) • Lead by example. You MUST also eat healthy. • Reward good behavior with nonfood items, such as CDs and clothes.

Changing a lifestyle doesn't have to be complicated. Slow and steady always wins race.

My pop drinker rarely indulges anymore. My sugar addict gets a headache when she indulges. My younger ones can't eat off children's menu at restaurants -- they don't offer salads on kid's menu!

And, my husband totally avoids dairy to keep his allergies from becoming a problem.

Are we perfect? Of course not. But we now spend more time eating right things as opposed to wrong. And it does get easier with time.

I know your family is worth effort. And someday they will realize how right you were and maybe even thank you for it!

Medical Disclaimer: The School of Natural Health has provided this material for informational purposes only. We do not prescribe and we do not diagnose. If you use information outlined in this website (book, survey form, newsletter, supplements) without approval of a health professional, you prescribe for yourself, which remains your constitutional right, but neither author(s), nor School of Natural Health assume any responsibility. Please check with a trusted medical doctor before making any sudden and new dietary changes.

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Cyndi is a Naturopath (N.D. from College of Natural Health) and is a member of American Association of Certified Consultants. Cyndi has overcome numerous physical problems through principles of Naturopathy. She has been published in ezines and magazines, is author of "Vibrant Health - It Can Be Yours" and is editor of online newsletter, BNHealth. Cyndi lives in Oklahoma with her husband, Paul and their seven children, whom she home schools. You can visit her site at: http://www.schoolofhealth.com or email her at cyndi@schoolofhealth.com

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