Prior to using this Quick Discussion Guide, you and your child may want to do any or all of the following activities on "It's My Life":

• Read the "Food Smarts" article.

• Work together to come up with a "You Said It" submission for this topic.

• Print out the IML Journal page "Food Smarts.” Complete it together or encourage your child to complete it on his/her own.

Discussion Questions:

• Are you happy with the foods and meals we’ve been eating lately?

• Do you think we need more variety in our diet?

• Do you ever consider if a food is healthy for you before you choose it?

• What about our diet seems healthy to you? Unhealthy?

• What kinds of foods would you pick if you were able to make your own choices?

• Do you think we eat too much of some foods and not enough of others?

• Do you think we eat too much food, in terms of portion size?

• Do you want more responsibility to help with grocery shopping and meal planning?

Remember:
-- It’s important to set a good example. If your child sees you making smart and healthy food choices, he or she will be more likely to do the same.

--Eating habits that start in childhood can last a lifetime. Even if it seems like hard work, it’s essential to steer kids away from junk food and towards a healthy, balanced diet.

--How you cope with your own anger can set an example for your child.

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