The Rainbow Rule: How I've Kept My Children Doctor-Free for More Than 8 Years

Some call me old-fashioned and others weak, but I've known I wanted to be a mom since I was 10 years old. I didn't actually choose what I wanted to study in college until I was nearly 18 years old and then I chose the wrong career path because I was more focused on being a mother than a professional. My children are my life and while I've received more compliments on their behavior, attitude and strong education dedication than I can count on my fingers and toes, it is their health that I am most proud of. My children are the healthiest four people I've ever met and their good health is a direct reflection of positive, supportive parenting.

Setting Ground Rules from the Start

When my children were little, I set ground rules for everything in life. We followed a strict daily schedule that mapped out meals, nap time, bed time, snacks and daily activities. I strictly followed the schedule for more than 10 years before allowing my family to deviate from its guidelines. When life is scheduled, children know what to expect, which is essential to good parenting, but it also prevent snacking on unhealthy foods between meals and staying up late at night.

The Rainbow Rule Prevails in My Home

I started the rainbow rule when my first child was old enough to eat solid foods. While other parents were opening one jar of baby food per meal, I was opening three. I fed my child a combination of foods at each meal based on color. The main three colors at every meal were white, green and orange. Typically, the white was a starch, the green was a vegetable and the orange was a fruit or vitamin-A rich vegetable or starch like sweet potatoes or carrots. When the orange took over the starch, the white was a fruit like pears. Protein was also a part of every meal, but baby food proteins don't have a definable color sometimes, so we didn't include that in the rainbow plan.

As my children aged, I continued the rainbow rule at every meal. My children learned from the first moments of life that eating right means eating foods from all colors of the rainbow. It wasn't until many years later that research proved the rainbow rule was the best way to eat.

Plan Special Nights for Eating Unhealthy Foods

We love to have the occasional unhealthy meal. Chinese, delivered pizza and restaurant Mexican meals are our favorites. Just because I've taught my children to eat from the rainbow does not mean I don't let the rules slide once in a while for fun. Eating out is not an every week occurrence, but I recognize the importance of allowing freedom in the diet. If I remove unhealthy, fun choices from all meals I believe my children will get the wrong idea about eating and everything they've learned will fly out the window when they grow old enough to make their own food choices. Instead of prohibiting I choose to limit. We have special occasions like game-night Friday or off-the-wall Tuesday when we eat foods that may be completely unhealthy without regard for the rainbow rule.

How Has My Parenting Style Changed My Children's Health?

I have four children and you may be surprised to hear how healthy they actually are. Teen 1 has taken an antibiotic once in 14 years. She came down with strep throat the first week of Kindergarten. Teen 2 has been on an antibiotic once in 13 years. She contracted strep throat right before a vacation. Child 3 has been on an antibiotic three times in 8 years. Every time she was prescribed the antibiotic for impetigo; a skin infection caused by severe eczema. Child 4 has been on an antibiotic once in 8 years. He contracted an ear infection at 7 months old. In the past 8 years, aside from dermatology and allergist appointments for eczema and severe food allergies, I've taken one child to the doctor's office one time for pink eye. That is the only sick visit for any of my children in 8 years.

More from Summer on Parenting

Dealing with a Teen that Pushes Your Buttons

10 Community Service Ideas for High School Students

How to Balance Life and an Early College High School Student