Happy Healthy Third Birthday!

By Mark Bishop, Deputy Director

Last week, Henry turned three! My wife and I struggled with how to have a birthday party that wouldn't be filled with junk food -- but a party that also didn't feel forced.

First of all, last December we went to Mexico and Henry fell in love with piñatas. It was all he wanted for his birthday. If you watch the video, you'll see him gush over all the candy that pours out at the end. It's really cute, but it makes the foodie side of me cringe a bit.

Well, you can't say no to a piñata. But you can say no to all the candy. We simply substituted raisin boxes, granola bars, organic lollipops (yes, I know it's still a sugary lollipop - but we're not trying to completely eliminate all sugar, just to make better choices) real fruit leather, and some toys like drawing pads and foam dice.

I'd say that putting healthier options inside was not a drawback at all. It was great fun.

However, please don't think the entire party was about healthy food. We could say no to a candy filled piñata, but we couldn't say no to a piece of birthday cake...

Comments

[Mark Bishop]

I forgot to add... Henry refused to eat the lollipops! I have no idea why. They are pure sugar. I don't get it. Oh well, more for me.

[susannah fuchs]

oh, Mark, if you have some ideas for my very very very picky eater, I am all ears.

xo
susannah

[Mark]

Only if you give me some ideas on how to get my very rambunctiously sweet son down to bed every night without an hour of up, down, potty, water and more... :)

[amy]

I can help you with the sleep...my 3-year old did not go to bed easily until we started using essential oils...after 3 nights he was asleep in 5 minutes. Six years later they still work. Peace & Calming is a favorite here. A drop or two on the feet or shoulders is all it takes.