More parents are aware of the benefits of instilling healthy eating habits in children at an early age.

PARENTS are becoming more conscious about the food their children consume these days, hence more households are trying to adopt healthy eating habits.

They are also increasingly aware of the nutrients their children need in order to grow into healthy adults.

While children may learn about healthy eating habits in school, parents should also begin instilling these habits in their kids at an early age.

Children’s growing bodies especially need whole grains which are healthier and helps with digestion and the development of a healthy gut.

Parents can win the GoGetter — Prince & Dragon puzzle by entering ParenThots’ Win a Puzzle promotion.

However, encouraging a child to consume whole grains may not be an easy task as some may complain about the texture, colour and even taste.

There are several things about whole grains that parents need to know – how early you can start, what are the effects and benefits, and how to get kids to eat whole grains. These can all be found on the ParenThots website.

Boarding school

Should you send your child to boarding school? Some parents are all for it, saying it instills discipline and makes their kids more responsible. Others say they wouldn’t want to have their child away from them at an age where kids are easily influenced by peers.

Entrepreneur Shahanaz Zainuddin has one son, aged 13, who goes to the Malay College Kuala Kangsar (MCKK) in Perak. It was his choice to attend the reputable boarding school and it is one that the family supports. Initially, it was tough being apart from him but the family has adjusted well since then.

Assistant teacher Peggy Ho, says a boarding school is out of the question. “I would not be able to spend as much time as I do with my daughter now,” she says.

To read their opinions and share yours, go to ParenThots.

Book reviews

The Rhythm Of Family is an inspiring book for those of us who are not as connected to nature as we want to or should be.

The Parent’s Toolkit deals with issues that plague children today - from symptoms to getting to the root of the problem.

Readers write in

One parent shares her thoughts on how puzzles help her family bond.

If you want to win the GoGetter – Prince & Dragon puzzle, just write in to parenthots@thestar.com.my on “How games/puzzles help the family bond.”

This brain-teaser game, distributed by BRAINet, has 48 challenges and 1,001 solutions. It helps kids develop their imagination and problem-solving skills.

The last day to submit entries is Sept 18.

For terms and conditions, go to ParenThots.

* ParenThots is The Star’s parenting portal. For more information, e-mail parenthots@the star.com.my or surf to www.parenthots.com.

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