"I love Lucky Charms." - Quentin

As a mother who promotes healthy living, I strive to provide nutritious organic food from the store or our garden for my children. When my 10 year old son, Quentin asks me to buy Lucky Charms for breakfast (how does he know?), I gently remind him that I don't buy it because it's not good for him. Although on extremely rare occasions I do allow him 'those' types of foods. I once sent him to school with Lunchables (confession #1), I attempt to be a mother of moderation.

For New Year's Eve 2007-8, my sons were having a slumber party at the house. In preparation for the festivities, I went food shopping at the local 'regular' supermarket out of convenience rather than the usual Whole Foods or Trader Joe's. In order to get to another place in the store, I took a shortcut and found myself in the cereal aisle, where most of the 'real estate' is owned by General Mills, maker of Lucky Charms which was prominently displayed. After a moment of reflection, I confess that I decided to buy the red box with the cheerful leprechaun (confession #2). It's not cheap! I felt better about my decision because the cereal is now made with 'whole grains.'* Feeling the spirit of the season even more, I continued my shopping spree and bought ice cream drumsticks as well as Tropicana pink lemonade (confession #3 and #4). Needless to say my deeds were appreciated by all the boys, who were also able to stay up to midnight and watch the ball drop in New York (confession #5).

Creating a Moment

For me, the experience was not about the sweets but more importantly about creating a moment that my sons will always remember. In the "Bonding, Mind and Spirit" chapter of my book (Natural Baby and Childcare) there are suggestions that I've learned as a parent to create moments for your child's inner world, or soul. Many of these times can be created when there is a change, an unusual occurrence or shift in routine that allows for a creative venture or new activity. It is important to break patterns periodically, as routine tends to put both children and adult souls to sleep. Now that the new year has begun, my sons were lucky to receive all the goodies, but they know better that mom cannot always be charmed.

Happy New Year!

Lauren

*It is considered good luck to eat black eyed peas on New Years. Not having them available, I decided to try 'lucky charms' instead. The colorful charms were too sweet, the bland looking whole grain charms were more palatable.