DEAR HARRIETTE: I posted a video on TikTok showcasing how I packed my 5-year-old daughter’s lunchbox with ready-made cookie dough.
Sadly, the response was overwhelmingly adverse, with many criticizing my alternative for not choosing a more healthy or do-it-yourself various.
I try to supply my daughter with nutritious and pleasurable meals, however I additionally imagine {that a} little bit of comfort shouldn’t be condemned. Balancing practicality with wholesome selections is vital to me, and I imagine that occasional treats are acceptable.
How can I tackle the criticism with out feeling discouraged? Do you could have any recommendation on discovering a center floor between comfort and well being in my daughter’s lunches? Your assist and steerage could be tremendously appreciated.
— Wholesome Selections
DEAR HEALTHY CHOICES: Initially, I wager loads of these naysayers give their kids chips and sweets of their lunch, so take a breath.
Your web trolls reacted to 1 publish as if that’s what you do on daily basis. Take it for what it’s price.
When it comes to the way to greatest care in your youngster, lookup wholesome snacks and supply these most days: contemporary and dried fruit, nuts (if allowed on the college), low-sodium and low-sugar snacks. You possibly can often combine in a do-it-yourself cookie, however be certain your youngster is aware of that it’s a uncommon deal with.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I’m afraid my previous embarrassing moments will make my boyfriend see me in a special gentle.
I’ve been relationship him for 2 years now, and he’s insisting on coming to my hometown to fulfill my associates, as I’ve met his.
We each stay within the metropolis the place we work, however I grew up as an obese child in a low-income family with neglectful dad and mom. I’ve 9 siblings. Attributable to parental neglect, I had some hygiene points that led to bullying all through college — I had lice, physique odor and poor oral care.
In distinction to how I was, I’m completely different as an grownup, with a good job that pays effectively and full hygienic care. My boyfriend is aware of me as somebody meticulous about her physique, who takes care of herself and maintains a slim determine.
Now that he’s insisting on vising my hometown, I’m afraid he’ll study that previous model of me and be disgusted by the tales.
I’ve been declining to make this journey for 2 years. How do you assume I ought to proceed? It is a delicate subject for me.
— New Leaf in a New Metropolis
DEAR NEW LEAF IN A NEW CITY: Speak to your boyfriend and inform him about your previous. To be able to construct a significant relationship with him, it’s essential reveal who you’re in your entirety.
Earlier than stepping foot in your hometown, sit down and open up. Discuss your loved ones and a few of the challenges you confronted as a baby. Describe your previous bodily self and the way you have been ostracized due to it. Clarify that it looks like opening an outdated wound to take him to your hometown.
Over time chances are you’ll determine to take him, however your first step of giving him a glimpse of your world ought to assist him to again off a bit — a minimum of for now.
