For those of
you who read the archives of the Feeding Kids Newsletter, you may have
noticed the occasional “Mom's Corner” columns. Now that I
am in the thick of parenting two teens and a “tween,” I thought
I would offer an update on parenting as it relates to nutrition at this
age and stage.
Adolescence is:
Short ...
In the context of the entire lifespan, adolescence covers a short
period of time from 13-20. While definitions vary, the preteen or “tween”
years occur sometime between ages 9-13.
... Yet Extremely
Important
In just a few years, tremendous growth and development occurs.
Major physical, cognitive, social and emotional changes occur during
the teen years. Youth will acquire 15-20% of their height, 50% of their
adult weight and 45% of their total skeletal mass during these years.
As a result, total nutritional needs are at a lifetime high.
Filled With
Choices
Today's teens have more choices about their life. With both parents
working, it is often up to teens to decide how to spend those after-school
hours. Many teens have more disposable income, a factor which also influences
their food choices.
Peer-Centered
As children become teens, they are influenced more by their peers
and less by adult role models. Their eating habits may mirror what friends
are eating and the food served at their favorite hangouts.
Unpredictable
Living with a teen is never boring. Just as they may try on tons
of clothes at the mall, they also seem to “try on” different
personalities. This is part of their normal psychological development,
particularly as they attempt to distinguish themselves as individuals
who are different from their parents. Adolescents are particularly susceptible
to food fads and jags and may change their eating style often.
Abrupt changes
in eating, sleep habits, or academic performance can be signs of trouble,
including problems such as depression, eating disorders or substance
abuse. Be aware and get help for your teen if you observe troubling
changes in their habits or personality.
Not the Time
for parents to “Check Out”
This is the hard part. When teens seem to be pushing us away and want
less of our guidance, there may be a tendency for parents to feel resigned
and “give up,” at least in a nutritional sense. In addition,
it may seem at times like what teens eat is the least of a parent's
worries! While it is true that your child is making most of the choices
that affect his/her health and nutrition, know that you still have a
role in promoting healthful habits.
What to do:
- Personalize
good nutrition for your teen. An athlete will be interested in how
nutrition can improve sports performance, a budding chef will be interested
in cooking up healthy dishes and an academic-focused teen will be
interested in how proper nutrition maximizes brain power. Many teens
are consumed with their appearance so any connection between nutrition
and healthy weight, hair and skin will make an impression.
- Continue to
offer mostly healthy food choices at home. Stock your kitchen with
plenty of healthful snack choices such as fruits, vegetables, nuts,
yogurt, lean deli meats/whole grain buns, baked chips, burritos, whole
grain cereal, milk, bottled water and 100% fruit juice.
- Don't give up.
While your efforts may seem futile, be assured that you are establishing
a healthy foundation that your child will eventually return to.
- Strive for family
meals, at least a few times each week. Teens who eat with their families
have better nutrition, higher academic scores and even less “high-risk”
behavior.
- Continue to
role model healthy eating and exercise behaviors. It may not be apparent,
but your teen is watching you!
A helpful tool
for teens wishing to improve their nutrition is Fueling
for Success: A Guide For Teens, a 4-page teen-tested downloadable
handout that you can purchase from 24 Carrot Press.
Reference: Travis
S. Nutrition and Adolescent Development. Cornell Cooperative Extension:
Ask the Nutrition Expert. Accessed online 5/03 at http://www.cce.cornell.edu/food/expfiles/topics/travis/travisoverview.html
