May We Hold Space for You?

For plenty of us, Halloween marks the beginning of the holiday season. I love this time of year, and I’m grateful that settling into the darkest months is made so much easier by the anticipation of succeeding holiday celebrations and special time with family. Our upcoming holidays have something else in common, too: an abundance of sweet treats!

Managing our kids’ sugar consumption, and talking about sugar with them can be a big stressor for many parents. We want children to delight in trick-or-treating (and the trading that comes after), to taste all the pies, and to bake old family cookie recipes alongside us in December. We also want our children to develop healthy diets, dental habits, and relationships with food and with their bodies. With sugar hiding in so many prepackaged foods and drinks, striking a balance can feel super overwhelming.

If you feel this way, we want you to know that you’re not alone! If you’re looking for a place to start, spend a couple days reading nutrition labels to take an average daily sugar consumption measurement for your kids. See how that amount compares to the AAP and AHA’s recommended daily limit of 25 grams, and adjust from there. Be mindful about the language you use when talking with your kids about sugar and nutrition. Encourage a healthy, balanced diet, and teach kids to focus on eating for nourishment rather than labeling certain foods as “bad.”

May we hold space for you on this topic? Please feel free to reach out if you’re looking for more support!

Have a sweet, and very happy, Halloween!

Lynnea

On average, sugar makes up 17% of what children consume each day. That's a lot of sugar ― and half of that comes from drinks with added sugar!

Here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics on how to reduce the amount of added sugar in your child's diet:

Kids Eat in Color: Kids Eat in Color is committed to providing parents with the support and guidance they need to help their kids eat better and thrive at mealtime. Every parent deserves to know what to do in challenging situations, to know they are not alone, and to feel less stressed.

The Ellyn Satter Institute helps tens of thousands of parents, grandparents, children, teens, adults, and health professionals reimagine and reshape anxiety-infused relationships with food into joyful journeys of healthful well-being.

Are you ready for a kindergarten adventure? Then Winona Area Public Schools is ready for you!

We are inviting all future kindergartners and their families to learn more about Winona Area Public Schools. Join us on Monday, Nov. 18 from 5-7 p.m. at the Winona Middle School for a family-friendly dinner, activities with WAPS teachers, and a short presentation.

• 5-5:30 p.m.: Free dinner for all family members
• 5:30-6 p.m.: Presentation for the adults, fun activities with WAPS staff members for the kids
• 6-7 p.m.: Informational tables and activities

Join us for a night full of dancing, snacks, crafts, and more! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Must pre-register by 10/21/24. Dress up in your favorite costume for a chance to win a prize!

• When: Saturday, Nov. 2 (Must pre-register by Oct. 21).
• Time: 5:30-7 p.m.
• Where: Winona Middle School Commons
• Cost: $20 for a child and one adult. $5 for each additional family member.

"May We Hold Space For You?" will publish twice a month during the school year. Make sure you don't miss the next issue by adding your name to our mailing list. Need some time? Let us know what topics you'd like to cover in this newsletter by filling out the form at the link below.