The key benefit is the exchange of information as parents share their ideas and experiences and how they cope with challenges. We all share the same common goal of raising happy, healthy children. With so much focus today on fat, cholesterol and heart disease, it is easier to view PKU positively and to have everyone eating healthier. The American Heart Association and the National Cancer Institute are aggressively encouraging us to increase our intake of common vegetables and fruits to reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and other health problems that could be related to diet. You can help your child develop positive attitudes about nutritious foods that are good not only for PKU health, but also for the heart and other parts of the body.
Children learn best by example.
As parents, we should model for them a healthy lifestyle and be consistent in order for these attitudes and habits to become a natural part of our child's life. Remember, you child wants to be like you. If he sees you eating more salads, fruits and vegetables, he will want to do the same. A child's sense of responsibility starts with the parents' attitudes an skills. The attitudes include allowing children to express their feelings and emotions.