Healthy Lunches, Happy Kids: Rethinking Food and Learning

Loading player...
In this episode of The Lauren Edmonds Podcast, Lauren shares her thoughts on the challenges of school lunches and how they can affect a child’s day. As a mom and the owner of a special needs school, she understands the frustration of uneaten lunches and the struggle to find the right balance between what’s healthy and what kids will eat.

Lauren explores:

Why some kids struggle with certain foods, including sensory issues and chewing difficulties.
How schools can create space and routines for children to enjoy their meals.
The importance of offering healthy options and moving away from overly processed snacks.
How what children eat impacts their focus, energy, and ability to learn.
She also explains how her school is addressing these challenges, from working with occupational therapists on feeding skills to fostering a sense of community around eating. This episode is full of practical advice for parents and teachers who want to help kids develop healthier habits and a positive relationship with food.
13 Jan English South Africa Education · Self-Improvement

Other recent episodes

Learning Through Failure

Lauren Edmunds explores the value of mistakes and failure in a child’s learning journey. Drawing on research and practical examples, she shows how setbacks can spark curiosity, strengthen thinking skills, and open opportunities for growth. Instead of labels or fixed traits, failure becomes a pathway to deeper learning and resilience.
1 Oct 11 min

The Power of Curiosity in Children’s Learning

Lauren Edmunds, founder of a school for children with learning delays, reflects on how curiosity shapes learning and development. Drawing on research and her own experience, she shares why asking questions matters, how adults can encourage it, and why curiosity is key to unlocking a child’s potential.
22 Sep 13 min

Rethinking Reward Systems

Lauren Edmunds explores the limits of star charts and external rewards, highlighting the importance of intrinsic motivation, awareness, and growth mindset in helping children build lasting skills and independence.
15 Sep 6 min

It Starts With You: Parenting and Self-Growth

Lauren Edmunds, founder of a school for children with learning delays, talks about her journey as a parent and educator. She shares why real change begins with adults first, and how looking after ourselves helps us raise stronger, healthier children.
8 Sep 9 min

Why Reading with Your Child Matters More Than Ever

Lauren Edmunds, founder of a school for children with learning delays, reflects on the profound impact of daily reading. She explores how something as simple as 20 minutes with a book can nurture vocabulary, connection, emotional well-being and resilience in children. Touching on modern challenges such as screen time, parental…
2 Sep 7 min