In my extensive research on the subject of species teenagerus (with subspecies teenagerus grumpitus, teenagerus independentus, and the more elusive teenagerus agreeablitus), I have yet to identify all the factors associated with healthy eating. Exercise habits are largely dependent upon the habits of their friends. It seems that eating habits follow this line.
However, sometimes the members of the species are at home. Not as often as before, but it does happen. When it does happen, I have found that if there is no healthy option, the teenagerus will go looking for anything to fill the gnawing pit of emptiness within their gut. This is not usually what is best for their growing bodies.
In previous experiments, I have found that a bowl of fruit on the countertop is instant snack material. However, as the teenagerus species arrived, their busy schedule became my busy schedule. Suddenly, the opportunities they have come across required more financial input from their parents, (known as adultus reasonablus). When the fruit bowl is out, all goes according to plan. When work hours get long, the fruit bowl can disappear without being refilled in a timely fashion.
I have found through experimentation that the teenagerus species is very capable of learning to prepare convenient meals, even if they are less handy than grabbing an apple. Additionally, an apple, while nutritious, doesn’t always fill the gnawing empty pit in their stomach. In these instances, lessons in resourcefulness have proven fruitful.
Imagine my delight when I came home to the smell of cilantro. Yes, you read that right. Cilantro. One of my teenagerus had sautéed cilantro and summer vegetables including squash. I regularly encounter the youngest of my teenagerus preparing a grilled cheese sandwich for himself. This resourcefulness makes me proud. Even if they do forget to clean up after their resourcefulness.
For extra kick, a bowl of hard-boiled eggs in the refrigerator is handy finger food. A cooked chicken in the fridge will be picked clean. The fruit bowl will also be revered by the teenagerus.
It seems that moms and dads are all scientists. It’s true. Every day we make decisions based on what works or reveals a new level of understanding of some aspect of our children’s lives. Observation — otherwise known as paying attention — may show us all new ways to help our families become healthier every day.