Parent Perspective: Small Steps Help Kids Take Care of Their Bodies and the Earth

Today we have a guest blog from HSC supporter Nancy Himmelfarb, a mother, a lawyer and an advocate for children’s health and our environment. HSC applauds Nancy’s efforts to help green her community’s schools, and the efforts of all parents taking steps to make wellness a regular part of every child’s school day.

Imagine kids learning to take care of their bodies and take care of the earth. Imagine them continually reaffirming their commitment to healthy living, despite the myriad of unhealthy choices in the world.

This vision becomes a reality when parents and schools take steps, even small ones, to change the school environment and to instill healthy habits in kids.

At home, for example, my husband and I talk with our seven and five year old about conserving resources and eating mostly healthy foods to keep the earth and our bodies strong and healthy. Our kids respond very positively – they even check food labels for grams of sugar and are careful not to waste paper. Small steps can make big impressions on kids.

At school, small steps make big impressions on many kids. Kids are eager to learn and, given the opportunity, they get excited to take care of their bodies and the earth.

For example, students were so excited for a “Trashless Tuesday” at South Park School in Deerfield, Illinois, that they reduced their garbage by approximately 80 percent in a single day and lobbied to repeat the program twice each month. Ravinia School in Highland Park, Illinois, allows only fruits and vegetables for snack and composts food waste for the school greenhouse. The kids do not miss the processed foods at Ravinia, and they are proud of the school greenhouse. Good schools create an environment that models responsible behaviors and attitudes. The healthy school environment reinforces a healthy home environment and can even have an impact on changing unhealthy habits outside of school.

My goal is to help kids begin a lifelong commitment to taking care of their bodies and the earth. I accomplish this by working with all of the relevant stakeholders – schools, parents, teachers, students, community activists and city government. As Vice Chair of the Environmental Commission for Highland Park, Illinois, I have worked with several schools to form green teams and to identify the “small green steps” that help their schools by helping the environment. In addition, I have worked to spearhead broader policy changes, such as a current proposed ban on polystyrene food ware. This proposal is perfect for collaborating with school age kids. Several kids have stepped forward to be environmental activists, because they have seen the pollution and want to do something about it. The kids researched alternative packaging materials and took the initiative to write letters to elected officials and local vendors. Together, we are making an impact.

One small step at a time, motivated adults can engage kids, and soon the kids lead the adults in generating new ideas to protect the health of their bodies and the environment. 

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Plus: To read more profiles of parents making a difference for healthy schools, check out HSC's Parents United for Healthy Schools.

Comments

[Julie Deardorff]

Nancy is right on target. Sustainable bodies are as important as a sustainable earth.