For many years my one child has always loved PB&J, minus the crusts, while the other won’t get near the classic. It’s always been a tactile thing and mixing foods together just doesn’t work for this kids taste buds. A true Separator (sounds like the name of a villain, eh?).  As a mother, with only the best of intentions at heart, I’ve tried chunky v. smooth, strawberry v. grape, and all fruit v. the sugary stuff. Never to compromise on bread – we’re a whole wheat family. Why such perseverance?  It’s the ultimate sandwich for an active kid. I believe it’s the perfect fuel and balance of proteins and sugars to get power from brain to legs. Paired with a banana and water its pure gold.

The kids get some nutritional facts in school health class, but face it, they’re too busy trying to figure out how to text their friends without getting caught, than listening about the food pyramid. Then there’s the parental rah-rah speech for proper eating – ‘wouldn’t you rather have an egg sandwich instead of  Munchkin’s ‘ or ‘greens aren’t  going to kill you’ …Listen to mom and dad? Never.

So…. How does one get their Separator to take note of diet…know what is good for the muscles, and how best to fill their tanks before the big game? The key…have the coach be the messenger. For the most part, I think the kids will listen… Why? They aren’t being graded or nagged and the coach wants to win just as much as they do! It’s a different level of respect outside the classroom or kitchen.  Once my Separator’s coach told the kids to power-up on PB&J’s between games – there’s been a monumental shift take place in our house. The makings are closer at hand and the kid is actually requesting the culinary delight on a regular basis. But… Oh.. . What’s that… Only with the ‘Good Jelly’.  They say to be careful what you wish for. But I’ll take it.

-Marcia Griffith

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