My little girl brings rice and “ulam” to school everyday though at times she would ask why her classmates are allowed to eat just biscuits and juices in doy or tetra packs. I explained to her that her classmates eat breakfast at home so at 9am, they would bring out their “snacks”.

But beyond this explanation, I have a personal reason why I don’t allow her to bring just ready made/off the rack food in school – I consider biscuits (healthy or otherwise) and juices as appetite suppressants. Because these products are high in sugar, it reduces a child’s appetite and food consumption therefore would affect their weight and nutrition.

I’m very conscious when it comes to Yona’s weight and height because she’s such a tiny little girl. She’s the smallest in their class and I want her to grow – at least above the average height for her age. Her weight is within normal range naman but I’m still worried.

It’s hard to wake up at 4:00am every single day to cook rice and “ulam” for her baon but I it’s all worth the effort.