"Mom, what's for dinner?" asked ten-year-old Lanny. "Oh, you will be happily surprised," replied Sarah Bailey, Lanny's mother. Sarah recognizes the vital importance of balanced, tasty meals for her husband and three growing children. She attributes their good health--they are seldom ill--to carefully planned meals. She follows the "Food Pyramid" emphasizing fruits, grains, nuts, and vegetables. She discovered, some years ago, that when they cut away down on sugar, colds practically disappeared. Yes, she does serve desserts for the evening meal, but it is usually fruit creatively prepared often with non-dairy whipped topping. Occasionally, she serves yogurt and fruit. (Of course, there are special occasions when she serves fruit pie with ice cream--usually on Sabbath when there are guests.)

She always insists that her children, ages 7, 10, and 13, eat a good, solid breakfast--whole grain cereal with low fat milk, toast, and fruit. The children seem to be content with their diet. When they were small she made up stories about the "good soldiers" (white cells) that God placed in our blood to fight the "bad guys" (germs and viruses). Nutritious food helps white cells to fight disease. Junk food is very rarely served. "Potato chips are fine," says Sarah, "on special occasions like picnics." Sarah serves meals on time and discourages eating between meals.

Outdoor Exercise. The Baileys enjoy outdoor exercise and their children enjoy it too. This habit has life-long benefits. So they provided weight-lifting equipment, bicycles, volley balls, a basket ball and hoop, etc. The kids also enjoy jogging with Dad and Mom. The Baileys often work outside with the children--weeding, mowing the lawn, washing the car, gardening, etc. And, of course, they drink lots of water.

Exercise should come before school homework. There should be a balance between mental and physical development. "If exercise could be packeted in a pill, it would be the single most widely prescribed and beneficial medicine in the nation." says the National Institute on Aging.

Sleep. Millions of Americans do not get adequate sleep. Chronic fatigue takes its toll on dispositions and on our immune systems. We tend to cram too much into twenty-four hours and sleep is often crowded out. And TV is probably the greatest thief of sleep. Of course, sleep needs vary with age. Dr. Richard Ferber, a Pediatrician, gives these guidelines: "Children under 1: 13¾ to 16½ hours, including naps. Toddlers, (age 1 to 3): 12 to 13 hours... with one daytime nap. Preschoolers, (age 4 to 6): 10 to 11 hours with no naps. Grade schoolers, (age 6 to 12): 9 to 10 hours a night." Redbook, Aug. 1993.

Dr. Barton Schmitt says, "As long as children wake up feeling refreshed, it doesn't matter if they've slept for nine or fourteen hours." By age four, most children don't nap at all. But since every child is different, observe your toddler's behavior.

Control bedtime ritual. Children put off going to bed. Be firm, but loving. Have a set time for bedtime and stick to it. Bedtime routines such as: baths, changing into pajamas, brushing teeth, reading a story, or just talking with you--will also help children to make transition from day to night, says Judith Zimmer. She further says, "Don't deprive your toddler...of his favorite toy or blanket. Your child can't bring you to bed" so a blanket is a good substitute. (Adapted from Redwood, Aug. 1993.)

Peaceful, Happy, Homes. Peace and happiness at home takes sacrifice. Television and video watching will be severely restricted. This provides time for homework, hobbies, and reading. (Keep lots of good books around.) Regular family devotions are crucial.

Family Council meetings provide a forum for children to express their feelings and parents to listen--Father or mother asks: "How are we doing as a family?" This helps to clear the air and solve problems. There will always be differences. Speaking to parents, Ellen White says, "They should not differ in the presence of their children....Let parents surround their children with an atmosphere of cheerfulness, courtesy, and love. A home where love dwells, and where it is expressed in looks, in words, and in acts, is a place where angels delight to manifest their presence." Child Guidance, pp. 24, 146.

Yes, peaceful, happy homes demand self-denial, self-control, energy, and God's grace. Results: wonderful dividends--here and in eternity.

Further Study: Health Principles--See Child Guidance, pages 103-109.