Feeding Kids with Fruits of the Spirit: A Guide to Raising Resilient Children

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We live in a world of instant gratification. We all carry something in our pocket that can give us the answer to just about any question we can think of within a matter of seconds. Long division is a thing of the past. We use a calculator now. We don’t care much about the theory or the process. All we want is the answer, and we want it quickly.

This is why fad diets are so appealing. They give you a relatively simple set of instructions and promise that it will fix all of your problems. If you have been following me for any amount of time, you know my feelings on this, but still, I am consistently asked for simple solutions to solve a variety of issues of feeding in the home. 

In an effort to appease you all and against my better judgment, I have boiled down my advice to a simple answer. This is about as clear and concise as I can make it. I actually was able to get it down to one word. Are you ready for it?

Fruit.

There you go! This ends my blogging career. Now that you all have the answer, you won’t be needing me anymore.

Eat fruit and live long, happy, healthy lives!

You’re probably thinking, “I could have told you that, and I’m not even a dietitian! This has been a huge waste of time.”

And I would understand. I would totally feel the same way. The issue with one-word answers is that they are not very specific. What might seem like a simple answer, isn’t actually so simple, because there is a problem. You can’t get this fruit from the store. In fact, it isn’t actually even food at all…

Perhaps you would be better suited with a four-word summary of my advice. Are you ready for it this time?

Fruits of the Spirit

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23

The 9 Fruits of the Spirit

The fruits of the Spirit are virtues of Christian living and are applicable in so many areas of life. Fostering a healthy relationship with your children and food is not the exception. Let me break it down for you.

The apostle Paul talks about the “fruits of the Spirit” in the book of Galatians to explain who God is and how our lives can look differently when the Holy Spirit is present. 

Raising children can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to their eating habits. As parents, we want to ensure that our kids are not only physically nourished but also spiritually and emotionally healthy. That’s where the fruits of the Spirit come in. 

Just like food is fuel for our bodies, a faithful future for our kids is having a Christ-centered life. These nine character traits, listed in this Bible verse as the fruits of the Spirit, can serve as a guide to feeding kids with more than just food. By incorporating the fruits of the Spirit into our daily interactions with our children, we can raise resilient and well-rounded individuals. The fruits of the Spirit can each be utilized in feeding kids and creating a positive environment for their growth and development.

Love: The Foundation of Every Meal

“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7

Let every mealtime begin with love. Imagine it as an invisible yet essential ingredient, blending with the flavors of your carefully prepared dishes. This isn’t just about the culinary process but also the devotion and affection that comes with it. Engage your children in the kitchen activities, be it setting the table, stirring the soup, or even washing the veggies. This is more than just sharing kitchen duties; it’s a heartwarming opportunity to show your love. 

Making them part of the food preparation journey creates a sense of belonging and fosters familial bonds. It’s a special time when you can disconnect from digital distractions and connect with each other. It’s about immersing yourself and your children in the act of creating a meal, a labor of love that nourishes not just the body, but the heart and soul. This wholehearted involvement, this pure act of love, can transform an ordinary meal into a memorable family experience. Love is the foundation of the fruits of the Spirit in feeding.

Joy: Making Meal Times Fun and Enjoyable

Happiness is an emotion that can come and go while joy is long-lasting. 

“Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” John 16:24

Children want to feel connected, and this often takes place around the dinner table. This happens when kids have the opportunity to share the highs and lows of their day while also feeling heard. It is an opportunity for the family to gather around a table to share time, attention, and food. Meals can happen at the table, on a picnic blanket, or in a restaurant. However, these key factors of a quality meal don’t occur when there are digital distractions, fighting, or playing with toys at the table. 

For your kids to understand what a joyful meal looks like, they need to see it modeled to them. Be mindful to avoid lecturing during the meal as well as controlling what and how much your child chooses to eat. 

Involve the kids in meal planning and preparation, igniting their excitement about what’s on the menu. This can enliven the ambiance, encouraging positive attitudes towards food while promoting social skills. Remember, food is not just about nourishment; it’s also a catalyst for happiness and a great opportunity for spending time together. 

Consider theme nights, where meals revolve around fun themes, like superhero dinners or pajama breakfasts. Such fun activities can enhance children’s curiosity and openness to different foods.

It’s not about the perfect meal but the joy discovered in the process and shared in the consumption. Create a joyful environment where the act of eating is associated with positive experiences and treasured memories. As the saying goes, a happy table is a healthy table!

Peace: Cultivating a Harmonious Dining Environment

Cultivating a harmonious ambiance at meal times is essential for making it an enjoyable experience for kids. Envision a tranquil setting that welcomes open conversations and makes the entire family look forward to the time spent together around the table. Make sure the dining area is free from distractions like televisions and mobile devices. This creates a space for peaceful interactions where children can talk about their day, share their thoughts, and simply enjoy the family’s company.

It’s also important to promote peaceable dialogue. Foster an environment where everyone is encouraged to speak their minds freely and respectfully, teaching children the importance of effective communication. Encourage them to share, to listen, and to understand. This enhances their communication skills and reinforces the values of respect and understanding within the family.

However, peace during meal times doesn’t simply mean an absence of conflict. It is about creating an environment that encourages cooperation and shared responsibility. Whether it’s setting the table, serving the food, or cleaning up afterward, involve your children in these tasks. This can help them understand that peace comes from working together and respecting each other’s roles and contributions.

Remember, a peaceful dining environment lays the groundwork for developing positive eating habits in children. So, make every meal a peaceful experience that nourishes not just the body, but also the soul.

Patience: Understanding Picky Eaters

One of the most common struggles parents often face is dealing with picky eaters. It can test your patience and turn meal times into a battlefield. However, instead of viewing this as a daunting hurdle, consider it an opportunity to exercise and demonstrate the spiritual fruit of patience. 

When introducing new foods, bear in mind that it’s a journey of discovery for your little ones. Their palates are still developing, and unfamiliar tastes and textures can sometimes be met with resistance. Rather than enforcing a sudden change, introduce new foods gradually or in different ways. This slow introduction allows children to familiarize themselves with different tastes and textures at their own pace.

Patience also involves giving your child the autonomy to explore and choose what they eat. Instead of mandating clean plates, implement the division of responsibility. If they dislike it the first time, don’t fret. It can take up to ten to fifteen + exposures for a child to accept a new type of food. 

Remember, patience is about understanding and providing gentle guidance. So, tread softly, keep calm, and carry on feeding. By displaying patience, you’re teaching your child more than just about food; you’re instilling in them the virtues of perseverance, open-mindedness, and flexibility. So take a deep breath and embrace this adventure with your little picky eater.

Click here for a complete guide on feeding fussy eaters. 

Kindness: Teaching Empathy Through Food

Involve your kids in the process of preparing meals, not just for your immediate family, but also for others. Maybe it’s cooking a special dish for a neighbor who’s not feeling well or baking cookies for the local fire department. This not only enhances their culinary skills but also sensitizes them towards others’ needs and feelings. 

Think about those moments when your kids are eager to share their favorite snacks with their friends. These are opportunities to foster the seed of kindness. Encourage these acts of sharing and explain how their simple gesture can make someone’s day better.

You can also incorporate lessons of empathy during grocery shopping. For example, buying extra food items for a local food bank or shelter can instill a sense of social responsibility in your kids. Let them choose the items, allowing them to feel involved and understand the significance of their actions.

Another avenue to explore is food traditions and cultures from around the world. Introducing your kids to a diverse range of cuisines can widen their perspectives and create a sense of respect and appreciation for other cultures.

In these ways, food can serve as a valuable tool to teach the principle of kindness. By integrating these lessons into your daily routines, you can help your children understand that every meal, every bite, and every ingredient can carry a message of empathy and compassion. Remember, when you are feeding your kids, you are also nurturing their hearts.

Goodness: God’s Provision 

Feeding our children is indeed a privilege, a precious opportunity that allows us to impart the fruit of goodness in their lives. When we think of this goodness, it goes beyond just the taste of the food. The Greek word for goodness, ‘Agathosune’, speaks to a virtue that is beneficial in its character and effect. And what can be more beneficial than nourishing our children’s bodies with God’s provision? 

Each meal we serve our children is a testament to the blessing of God’s blessing, the diverse array of fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins that He has created for our sustenance. It’s a chance to instill in them an appreciation for the nourishment these foods provide, fueling their growth and vitality. Feeding kids thus becomes a divine act, a daily practice where we can mirror God’s goodness through the food we serve. As we feed their bodies, we also feed their spirits, instilling in them a sense of gratitude and reverence for God’s abundant goodness.

Faithfulness: Consistency in Meal Times

When it comes to feeding your children, faithfulness is reflected through consistent meal times. Establishing a routine is not just about keeping their tummies full on schedule, but it also builds a sense of security and predictability in daily life. Children thrive on routine, it provides them with a feeling of stability and fosters their emotional well-being. 

Aim to have meals together as a family as often as possible. This act of togetherness around the dining table serves as a powerful reminder of your family’s commitment to each other. It instills in your children that meal times are not just about eating, but also about sharing, bonding, and cherishing the love that binds your family together. It’s a practice where you feed not just their physical hunger but also their need for connection and belongingness. 

Such consistent family meal times can create cherished memories and lasting traditions, transforming your dining table into a hub of love and togetherness. However, remember, faithfulness to this routine doesn’t mean rigidity. Be flexible to adapt to unexpected situations and changes. The goal here is to convey to your children that despite the whirlwind of activities and commitments, family meal times are a priority, a steadfast fixture in your day. In this way, the essence of faithfulness with consistent meal times goes beyond the food served on the table; it feeds your children’s sense of love, security, and belonging, making every meal a meaningful family ritual.

Consistency in feeding is also important. With the many feeding methods out there, it can be hard to be consistent and know the right approach. However, by implementing the division of responsibility and encouraging intuitive eating, your child will learn to have a healthy relationship with both food and their body.

 

Gentleness: Approaching Food-Related Issues with Sensitivity

Navigating through food-related challenges requires a gentle and sensitive approach. If your child is averse to certain foods or experiences eating difficulties, it’s important to address these issues with compassion and understanding. Take time to delve deeper into their unique dietary preferences and habits, rather than making hasty conclusions or imposing drastic changes. 

It’s a great idea to ensure your responses to their food dislikes are thoughtful and empathetic, making them feel heard and supported. This gentleness can lessen their anxiety around new foods and foster a more positive attitude towards meal times. Remember, sensitivity to their needs can help them explore new flavors and textures without feeling overwhelmed. Approach with kindness, respond with understanding, and above all, listen with your heart. This nurturing approach will not just make meals enjoyable, but will also feed your child’s self-confidence and foster a healthy relationship with food.

Self Control: Utilizing the Division of Responsibility 

Inculcating self-control in feeding involves embracing the division of responsibility, a powerful concept that fosters intuitive eating. As parents, we should practice self-control by refraining from dictating the quantity of food our kids consume. Instead, let’s focus on providing nutritious food options and creating regular meal times. This nurtures an environment that allows kids to listen to their bodies and regulate their food intake. The responsibility of ‘what’, ‘when’, and ‘where’ to eat lies with us, while the ‘how much’ should be guided by the children’s innate appetite cues. 

This approach allows children to develop a sense of autonomy and is a great way to encourage mindful eating. Inspired by God’s love, we guide, but never impose, understanding that our children’s hunger and fullness signals are the best judges of how much they should eat. The division of responsibility in feeding nurtures not just a healthy relationship with food, but also instills the valuable trait of self-control.

Fruits of the Spirit In Summary 

​Through these practices, we strive to raise children who are not only healthy in body, but who also display the ‘fruits of the Spirit’—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—as detailed in the book of Galatians. May our good work bear much fruit, a testament to the glory and grace of Jesus Christ.

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