It is not a surprise to learn artificial dyes are linked to health and behavioral issues in children. While most people would agree they certainly aren’t the “healthy choice,” many find them acceptable in moderation. How one person defines moderation of a food can vary vastly from the definition of another. Is moderation referring to once a day? Once a week? Once a meal? Once in a blue moon?
“Only at parties!” I’ve heard well-meaning parents say. “We never eat this at home, but at parties it is okay.”
The problem, then, becomes, how often are you going to parties and get togethers? A school function, donuts after church, a friend’s birthday party and a visit to grandma and grandpa’s house and now, you’re eating these foods far more than you’d expect.
As the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us: “Life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by God. We must take reasonable care of them…” (CCC 2288)
Saying no to artificial dyes is one small way I try to protect the physical health of myself and my children.
“But Isn’t That Extreme?”
I’ve certainly been called extreme when it comes to this issue! I strongly disagree.
If something is junk, I have no interest in feeding it to my children. I want the best for them- spiritually, emotionally, and physically. That includes food. Why would I settle for less when I can offer better? Why would I allow them something I myself would never eat for health reasons?
Do my children eat sweets? Absolutely! Cakes, smoothies, homemade chocolate, cookies, fruit—they enjoy all of it. But junk food—especially dyed, processed, lab-colored “treats”- is something we avoid completely.
No, I don’t believe the solution is “just let them eat what their friends eat.” That may feel like kindness in the moment, but it isn’t truly loving if it leads them into habits of excess, poor health or consumption of foods that make them feel like garbage.
Scripture warns us about gluttony. “Put a knife to your throat if you are given to appetite” (Proverbs 23:2). That’s strong language but it reminds us how seriously we’re meant to take the formation of appetites and desires.
Just because something is common does not mean it’s good. And just because other children are allowed to indulge doesn’t mean mine need to. If we wouldn’t let them join in if “everyone was cheating” or “everyone was gossiping,” why do we cave so quickly when it comes to food? Parents are called to lead, not blend in.
What About Parties, Parades, and Halloween?
This is our challenge. My goal isn’t to make my children feel punished or weird for not eating what their peers do. So we got creative!
When my children collect candy at parades, parties or Halloween, we don’t throw it away. We build with it.
Gingerbread houses. Yes, even in the summer!
We collect the candy into a family stash and use it throughout the year to create candy houses. It has become something my children look forward to. A fun, seasonal tradition that uses the candy for creativity instead of consumption.
We don’t eat the houses- we just build them. This small tradition has saved me so much stress. No drama over taking treats. No bartering, “okay you can have a few pieces and I am taking away the rest.” No guilt over throwing away bags of junk. Just imagination, glue and lots of sugar (but without the sugar rush.)
One of the (Many) Reasons We Homeschool
And honestly—this is one of the main reasons we homeschool. I cannot control what’s in every classroom birthday treat or holiday celebration. However at home, I can create a culture that honors our values and supports our health. I have begun to notice a difference in the foods homeschooled family friends of ours serve and snack on verses those of our beloved family and friends who do not homeschool. It is surprising and very interesting that matters of food choice seem to coincide with home education (of course not in EVERY case but in the small sample size of my life it seems to have a direct correlation.)
I’m not trying to judge anyone. I’m not asking the world to adapt for me. I am and will continue to do everythingI can, where I can, to protect and nurture the little souls entrusted to me.
The Catechism calls parents “the first heralds of the faith” (CCC 2225) and reminds us that our duty includes teaching our children to live in freedom and responsibility. For us, that includes helping them recognize what truly nourishes- and what doesn’t. I want them to learn to evaluate foods presented to them and make decisions that help keep their bodies feeling the best as they possibly can.
Certain highly processed foods do have an immediate noticeable affect- particularly on behavior and bowel movements. Others, the affect is more long term and more on the impact of a dampened immune system. It is really the repeated health and food habits that occur over time that make an impact. Be watchful and observant!
You and your children are deserve better than junk!