Helping Families Build Lifelong Healthy Habits

 

By Dr. Brad Kristiansen

Did you know that the U.S. ranks near the bottom (36 out of 38 advanced countries) in terms of child well-being, scoring poorly on mental health, physical health, and skills. 

August is recognized as National Kids Eat Right Month, a time to spotlight one of the most important foundations of lifelong health: nutrition in childhood. For holistic practitioners, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with families and guide them toward healthier habits that can benefit not only their children but the entire household.

Why Early Nutrition Matters

We know from research and clinical experience that the earlier children learn healthy eating habits, the more likely they are to carry those habits into adulthood. Unfortunately, childhood obesity, digestive issues, and other diet-related illnesses are on the rise. What children eat today influences not just their energy and behavior, but also their risk for chronic illness later in life.

By teaching kids how to nourish their bodies now, you can make a marked difference in the health of your community. By giving them tools for a lifetime of better health, you can reduce the likelihood of issues like diabetes, fatigue, mood swings, and even immune system challenges.

Practitioners as Guides for Families

Families are often overwhelmed by the flood of conflicting nutrition advice online. Many parents want their children to eat better, but they don’t know where to start—or how to make changes that their kids will actually accept.

This is where you, as a holistic practitioner, can make an enormous impact. Turns out,  an increasing number of American parents are working with a wellness coach.

And if you hesitate because you think nutrition coaching is not something most families would include in their budget, surprisingly, the highest overall usage comes from the lowest income earners ($ 50,000 or less per year).

Nutrition coaching gives you the means to provide families with:

• Clear guidance on what to feed their children.
• Practical strategies for making meals simple, affordable, and kid-friendly.
• Accountability and support to stay consistent as they develop new habits.

When parents see the difference in their child’s energy, focus, and overall well-being, they become more motivated to stay on the path.

Making Nutrition a Family Affair

Kids don’t make food choices in isolation. They eat what’s in the fridge, what’s on the table, and what their parents enjoy. That’s why effective nutrition coaching doesn’t just focus on the child; it involves the whole family.

Helping parents improve their own eating habits sets a powerful example for their children. When healthy meals become the norm at home, kids learn to view nutritious food as enjoyable and rewarding, rather than something forced or restrictive.

Introducing Families to Nutrition Coaching

One easy and effective way to engage families is with nutrition coaching. This approach makes it simple for practitioners to guide families step by step, showing them how to:

• Build colorful, nutrient-rich meals kids actually enjoy.
• Reduce sugar and processed food without creating a sense of deprivation.
• Improve digestion and energy levels for both parents and children.
• Establish healthy routines that fit into busy family schedules.

By offering programs like these, you give families a roadmap they can follow, removing the guesswork and helping them succeed long-term.

August is the Perfect Time to Begin

As families gear up for a new school year, August is a natural time to reset routines and adopt healthier eating patterns. National Kids Eat Right Month creates a timely opportunity for practitioners to reach out and invite families to take that first step into nutrition coaching.

Supporting families in this way goes beyond just improving their diets; it empowers children with the knowledge and habits they need to grow strong, healthy, and resilient. And when kids learn early, they carry these lessons for life.

Connect with your patients about the importance of kids eating right. By guiding families through nutrition coaching, you can help set the stage for healthier generations to come.

Learn more about the Complete Nutrition Coaching Course.

Author Bio

Dr. Brad Kristiansen is a chiropractor and nutritionist with over 30 years of experience in practice. As the Clinical Director of Holistic Health Solutions, he has trained thousands of holistic practitioners in the US to improve the health of their patients with clinically designed, personalized nutritional programs.