Dr. Richa Agnihotri

I launched a podcast for parents, aimed to help build healthy habits with the child as the central focus. It’s called “Parenting is a Lifestyle”. Join our community on YouTube!

If it is possible for things to go poorly beyond our wildest imaginations, it’s also possible for them to be better than our wildest dreams.

#pediatrician #parenting #parents #medsky

One of the greatest insights a mentor of mine shared with me is this:

Choose joy.

We get to make a conscious effort to decide what we give our mental energy to. Choose joy.

#pediatrician #parents #parenting #toddlerparent #teenparent #newparent #tweenparent

When a child’s behaviour seems extreme, it’s important for adults to get curious.
Why?
How full is their cup?
Is school/home safe, stressful, or overwhelming?
Has the child been well (sleep, nutrition, resilience, etc)?
What is their interpretation and relationship with you?
#childhealth

When kids fail to learn a skill, the teacher/parent must ask why. Instead of doubling down, we must adapt. #childhealth #pediatrician #parenting

Let kids build on their skills. It builds their confidence. Create a safe space, with clear boundaries and rules, and let them play to their heart’s content. #parenting #pediatrician #medsky #childhealth

In a world where people use fear to motivate others to click or buy a product, being a safe space is not only an act of rebellion, it is absolutely necessary. Teach kids to reflect on a message + the emotion it evokes, while thinking about who and why the person/company is saying it. Is it aligned?

Our kids can offer us fresh new insights into the everyday things we do, perhaps mindlessly. My school aged daughter asked me for a smartphone, stating she sees us on our phones and while it’s work related, she wishes she could see us reading journals in paper form more than on a device. #parenting

Children’s health is inextricably intertwined with their parents’ health. Empowering parents toward positive changes for their health and their child’s health is far more powerful than shaming or guilting them. #medsky #pediatrician #parenting

The mental health of parents is an important environmental exposure for a child’s development and health. People say they’d die for their kids, but what would be more helpful to their kids is if they’d be the healthiest they can be. #medsky #parenting #pediatrician #childhealth

YouTube video by TEDx Talks Children are the most powerful motivators for change | Dr. Richa Agnihotri | TEDxMcMasterU

“The child’s experience of their childhood matters.”
#TEDx #pediatrician #medsky
youtu.be/u05_9Ye63Wo?...

If we all aim to be the safest space possible for every child, these children may blossom to be the best versions of themselves, enable others to flourish, and contribute to a world representing the best of humanity.

Kids have a pretty good inkling of who they are, but they need to learn to be their best selves in the context of the world…all while they are still developing important skills. It’s a privilege to work with kids and be inspired every single day. Not just by the kids, but also by their advocates.

Good thing green beans are delicious and nutritious! We do the best with the info and skills we have at the time we act. It seems like common sense, but sometimes when the answer is staring us in the face, we benefit from fresh eyes, or unbiased reminders. And I couldn’t agree more! #rolemodels

Kids will do what parents do. If parents say, “eat your vegetables”, but treat vegetables as an afterthought on their plates, this may have the opposite effect of that intended by parents. If one wants kids to enjoy their vegetables, one simply needs to enjoy theirs. #parenting #pediatrician #medsky

There is no “one size fits all” to recommending foods. This is because each person exists in the context of their world. We need to step into their world to understand their choices, values, goals, and their resources which are impacted by social determinants of health. #medsky

Schools are where kids spend a majority of their days. It’s important these spaces not only accept kids as perfectly as they are, but also enhance their strengths. #neuroaffirming #medsky #pediatrician #paediatrician

The quality of food kids eat affects their mental health. Canadian kids are getting too much saturated fat, sodium, and sugar in their diets. We know ultra-processed foods are full of these. Providing whole foods, fruits, veg, nuts, seeds, and grains, increases the nutritional value of food. #medsky

Curiosity is one of the most important aspects of my personal parenting journey. When a child has a meltdown, I get curious. When I feel overwhelmed, I get curious. In those moments, while I learn about my child, I am learning more about myself, too. Of course, the next step then takes courage.

While New Year’s resolutions aren’t always effective, it’s nice to have hope and set goals. Try setting one SMART goal and building on it. #SMARTgoals

If you want your child to eat a variety of vegetables, eat a variety of vegetables. If you want your child to value exercise, exercise. Children learn from the way you live, not what you say. Kids challenge us to be the best version of ourselves.

My toddler was avoiding the blueberries I served, so I asked him whether he liked sweet or sour blueberries. He shared he liked sweet blueberries. So we made a game: he would try a berry and tell me if it was sweet or sour. He enjoyed this so much, he finished the entire bowl! #relationshipwithfood

We need to create an environment for kids to make it easy for kids to make nutritious food choices…at home, school, the community, and within healthcare.

The food choices we make as parents influence those of our kids. This isn’t to make people feel guilty, but to show you your power. Choose nutritious foods, bring them to the home, cook with your kids, learn with your kids. You can change the trajectory of health in your family. It’s never too late.

We must prioritize access to nutritious foods for all kids. Nutrition is a fundamental pillar of health and longevity. It is a basic human right. The quality of food matters.