Healthy Lunches, Happy Kids: Rethinking Food and Learning

--:--
In this episode of The Lauren Edmonds Podcast, Lauren shares her thoughts on the challenges of school lunches and how they can affect a child’s day. As a mom and the owner of a special needs school, she understands the frustration of uneaten lunches and the struggle to find the right balance between what’s healthy and what kids will eat.

Lauren explores:

Why some kids struggle with certain foods, including sensory issues and chewing difficulties.
How schools can create space and routines for children to enjoy their meals.
The importance of offering healthy options and moving away from overly processed snacks.
How what children eat impacts their focus, energy, and ability to learn.
She also explains how her school is addressing these challenges, from working with occupational therapists on feeding skills to fostering a sense of community around eating. This episode is full of practical advice for parents and teachers who want to help kids develop healthier habits and a positive relationship with food.
13 Jan English South Africa Education · Self-Improvement

Other recent episodes

Balancing Family, Self, and Special Needs Parenting

Lauren Edmunds shares a heartfelt conversation with a father navigating the challenges of raising a child with autism, ADHD, and anxiety. She explores the struggles parents face in maintaining balance—between their own needs, their relationships, and their child’s high demands. Through practical strategies and a shift in mindset, she highlights…
31 Mar 5 min

Rethinking Homework: A Parent’s Role in Academic Success

Lauren Edmunds delves into the common struggles parents face with their children's homework and why the way we approach it matters. She challenges the growing trend of "no homework" schools and emphasizes the importance of homework as a tool for connection, skill-building, and long-term academic success. Lauren shares insights from…
24 Mar 13 min

When the Home Environment Shapes a Child’s Success

Lauren Edmunds explores a controversial yet crucial topic: Are some children placed in expensive remedial environments when the real challenges stem from their home environment? She discusses how anxiety, rather than intrinsic learning difficulties, can sometimes be the root cause of academic struggles—and how family dynamics may play a significant…
17 Mar 4 min

The Power of Boundaries: Why Kids Need Firm but Loving Limits

Lauren Edmunds discusses the importance of setting firm, consistent boundaries for children—especially those with anxiety or control-related behaviors. Using the metaphor of a bouncing castle, she explains how children need structure to feel safe and secure. Without clear rules, their world can feel unpredictable and overwhelming. She shares a real-life…
10 Mar 6 min

Understanding Attention: More Than Just Focus

Lauren Edmunds explores the complexity of attention in children, moving beyond labels like ADHD and the assumption that medication is the only solution. She discusses the nuances of focus, comparing a typically attentive child to one struggling with anxiety and divided attention. Through vivid examples, Lauren explains how sensory processing,…
3 Mar 8 min