Program Teaches Parents to 'Live Well'

This article was originally published Nov. 3, 2011.

The Beach Cities Health District's Live Well Kids program hosted a "Food Fun Fest" on Wednesday night at Washington Elementary School to teach children and their parents how to lead healthy lives.

The event, which featured vendors extolling the virtues of their healthy foods, an obstacle course and demonstrations.

"It's really a way to teach the parents what we're already teaching [the kids]," said Donna Scotti, the BCHD Youth Services program manager.

As part of the Live Well Kids program, students at Redondo Beach elementary schools perform eight minutes of vigorous activity followed by two minutes of stretching every day. They also tend to community gardens and learn about healthy eating habits.

Wednesday evening's demonstrations focused on getting parents involved with the students' healthy eating education. One presenter explained how to deal with picky eaters, while the other gave an easy-to-make recipe.

Samantha Barnes of Kitchen Kid told parents that they should let their kids help prepare meals in the kitchen.

"When kids make their food, they eat it," she said.

Scotti said that the BCHD is considering hosting another Food Fun Fest in the spring.