Protecting Your Child from Inflammatory Foods at School

Feeding children a nutrient-dense, clean diet, free from inflammatory foods is a basic foundation for them to be healthy. And it takes work!

Don't let your hard work be derailed when they go to school and eat all kinds of chemical and sugar-laden foods and treats. For healing to happen, consistency is important.

The Reality: Junk Food is Everywhere at School

You need to know that children are often given junky, inflammatory foods at school. As a former teacher and parent, I have seen it happen in every type of school—public, charter, private, and even homeschool co-ops.

Here are the kinds of occasions when kids are given food or treats at school:

In the Classroom:

• Rewards from teachers

• Breakfasts, snacks, and lunches served through the school

• Treats that are brought in from other parents to celebrate birthdays, holidays, or special events

• Projects using food that they get to eat

• Foods shared from other children's lunches and snacks

  
  

School-Wide Events:

• Fundraising events that involve food and desserts sold at school

• School-wide sports, concerts, or celebration events

• Snacks in after-school programs

  
  

You Must Be Your Child's Voice

Teachers don't know the harm they are doing by allowing these things to happen. They mean well, but they simply don't understand the impact these foods have on children's bodies and behavior.

This is where you come in. You have to be your child's advocate.

How to Protect Your Child at School

1. Communicate Clearly with All Teachers

Reach out to every teacher with whom your child interacts and let them know that your child is not to be given any food or candy. Ask them to notify you when there will be occasions where treats may be offered, so you can plan ahead and send something for your child to enjoy that is safe for them.

It's okay to tell them your child is on a healing diet protocol that must be taken seriously. You don't owe anyone a detailed explanation, but being clear and direct helps teachers understand this isn't optional.

2. Educate Your Child

Teach your child how different foods and chemicals affect their bodies. Help them understand that if they want to be their best in school and be able to focus, learn, and feel good, they need to protect themselves from exposure to these things.

Encourage them to speak up and to say no. However, keep in mind that you still have to be their advocate. Kids experience a lot of pressure and confusion around this because it is usually other adults who provide the food and candy to them. That puts children in a difficult position.

3. Be Prepared for Surprises

Be prepared for them to come home and tell you that treats were given that day that you were unaware of. Teachers are not accustomed to thinking this way and may sometimes forget to give you a heads-up.

It can help to have healthy snacks ready to go:

• Grain-free cookies or muffins stored in the freezer to defrost and serve as needed

• Frozen bananas to blend into soft-serve ice cream

• Cut-up pieces of fruits they like

• Sweet nuts made with ghee or coconut oil, cinnamon, and raw honey or maple syrup, baked in the oven until dried

• Sweet potato or carrot fries or chips

Keep a stash of these treats so you can quickly send something special with your child when needed, or have something ready when they come home disappointed about missing out.

This is Love, Not Deprivation

Remember that advocating for and protecting your child from harmful exposures to junky foods is not denying them joy or happiness! In fact, it is doing quite the opposite.

When children are feeling unwell or cannot sit still and focus, they will not be successful in school. When their bodies are struggling with inflammation, sugar crashes, and chemical overload, they suffer, even if they don't yet understand why. When they miss school and events due to recurrent illnesses or allergies, this makes life more stressful and less enjoyable for them.

By protecting them now, you're giving them:

• The ability to focus and learn

• Stable energy throughout the day

• Better mood regulation

• The foundation for long-term health

• The skills to advocate for themselves as they grow

Teach Them to Advocate for Themselves

As they grow up, they will learn to advocate for and protect themselves in the world. While they are still young, show them how by modeling and teaching them.

Your consistency, clear communication, and unwavering commitment to their health sends a powerful message: their wellbeing matters more than fitting in or pleasing others. That's a lesson that will serve them for the rest of their lives.

*Need help creating a healing diet protocol for your child or navigating the challenges of maintaining consistency at school? I'm here to support you with practical strategies and personalized guidance