One of the most common challenges with children is teaching them to eat all their food. Here are a couple amusing ways I was taught to not waste food, which has ultimately helped me save money.
While growing up, I had a very strict grandpa who made sure my siblings and I ate all of our food while we visited on the weekends. He would say in a very stern voice while we dished up food, “We don’t waste food here. If you have food left on your plate, you’re going to sit at the table until your plate is empty.” And he meant it! At 8 years old, nothing is worse than being told to stay at the table while everyone else goes out to play. We made sure to eat all the food on our plates. At one time I thought my grandpa was the meanest person in the world, but as I grew up I learned to appreciate him.
Another way I learned to not waste food was by going to a week-long summer camp for many summers in Southern Caifornia when I was young. While at camp, campers were divided into cabin groups, and we would eat meals together in these groups. Each cabin competed against each other during the entire week to throw away the least amount of food. After each meal we would scrap left over food into a bag and weigh it to see how much food was thrown away. At the end of the week a group was awarded a trophy featuring a huge spoon and fork to show they wasted the least amount of food. I made sure to eat all the food I put on my tray. My cabin mates and I would criticize anyone who did not eat all their food.
Finally, I definitely got the message to not waste food after I moved out of my parent’s home and was responsible for buying my own food. My heart sank when I had to throw out moldy vegetables due to my own negligence, partly because I wasted money and partly because I wasted food (my grandpa popped up in my head). Gradually I became more conscious of the shelf life of the food I bought, and began to consume the items within a timely manner. I learned stir-fry is a great way to eat vegetables that are about ready to be thrown out. Now I hardly ever waste any food and get my money’s worth out of what I buy.
The combination of having a strict upbringing, attending camp and learning what it is like to spend my own money, contributed to me learning to not waste food and ultimately to save money. Hopefully more children will learn the value of food.
Lauren Ell is an American blogger born and raised in Southern California and is currently based in Sweden. She discusses Epilepsy, Politics and Fun. Professionally Ell is an Online Marketing Consultant and Virtual Assistant. She is also founder and president of Republican Atheists. Connect with Lauren on Facebook and Twitter.