Melissa Ben-Ishay balances being present with manageable priorities, interview
As families manage busy schedules, finding the solution to managing the to-do list can be more complicated than an algebra equation. It is more than getting everyone to school on time or ensuring that the lunch box is well-packed. Balancing kids’ requirements and parents priorities are a constant struggle. While Melissa Ben-Ishay celebrates little treats in her business, she appreciates carving out the little victories in her day.
Recently, the Baked by Melissa founder partnered with GoGo squeeZ. Like many other parents, the back to school season is full of highs and lows. The transition back into the routine can be stressful. Knowing that parents are not alone in the scenario can make things a little easier.
Recently, FoodSided conducted an email interview with Melissa Ben-Ishay through her GoGo squeeZ partnership. Below is a transcript of that interview.
Cristine Struble: Back to school can be a difficult transition for both parents and kids, do you have a method/concept that has helped to ease the stress and keep things positive?
Melissa Ben-Ishay, GoGo squeeZ Partner: Every year, I get better. This year, I actually took the time before school started to go through all of the paperwork and information I had been sent and update mine and my husband’s calendar. I am the family project manager. I took my kids to the supermarket to pick out what they wanted to bring for lunch because mealtime at our house can be challenging at times especially in times of transition. They chose GoGo squeeZ Apple Apple pouches as one of their snacks which made me so happy because they’re made from 100% fruit, each pouch is one half of a serving of fruit and there’s no added sugar. I’m focused on what I can do in the morning with my kids to get them ready and out the door.
CS: The family schedule can often have people feel like every moment is accounted for. What’s your trick to find some balance with all the activities?
My trick for finding balance for myself personally is waking up at 4 a.m. and going to workout so that I can be home before anyone wakes up. I’d much rather go to sleep early, around the time my kids do, and have the opportunity to start my day with a full cup mentally and physically. When you have young children, it’s tough to find time for yourself especially in a house with two working parents, which is why it’s so important to be present while you’re with family.
CS: School lunches can be a point of contention for parents and kids. Since no one wants kids to not eat what’s packed, how do you create a lunch that kids will eat and parents think is well-balanced?
What I’m learning as a parent is that you can’t control everything. Don’t be too crazy about it - GoGo squeeZ Apple Apple pouches have truly been my secret weapon because my kids love to snack and I can’t get them to eat a nourishing meal three times a day. The more you try and control it, the harder it is. Be easy on them, be easy on you - and the more you have snacks on hand like GoGo squeeZ Apple Apple with no added sugar made from 100% fruit, the easier it is. I know a lot about food and where it comes from, so my POV is that mealtime is for nourishment and if you get your nourishment from mealtime, you can enjoy dessert everyday. It’s okay.
CS: Is it vital to get kids involved with choosing their lunch foods? Does it help avoid lunchtime boredom?
Everybody is different and every child is different. I get my kids involved in what they’re eating, almost to a fault. It works for my family. I do that, and my oldest still took the same lunch to school every day last year with two GoGo squeeZ Apple Apple pouches. Knowing that she was having a full serving of fruit every day at school made me feel more relaxed. And when it comes down to it, lunch is only 1 meal a day out of 3.
CS: How important is portion sizes? Are little treats good to keep everyone happy?
Little treats are very important to keep everybody happy. I stress over what my kids eat too, and we all go through the same thing. When you’re a little kid, what you choose to eat is truly one of the only things you can control. What I have found works, especially as my kids are getting older, is explaining why each food is important and what makes it nourishing. For me, what works most is just treating them like human beings and understanding where they’re coming from.
CS: Many families appreciate a food that has multiple purposes. What are some other creative ways to use GoGo squeeZ beyond the lunch box?
I love to use GoGo squeeZ Apple Apple to make fruit leather. I take 3 pouches, empty them into a bowl and add a pinch of salt and vanilla extract. Then I line a baking sheet and put in the oven for 200 degrees which takes about 3 hours. But it’s so worth it and my kids love it. I also like to use GoGo squeeZ Apple Apple in muffins and even pancakes. I am the queen of baking with nourishing ingredients at home.
Sometimes the secret to having it all is stocking the pantry with food that makes choices easy. The versatility of GoGo squeeZ is a prime example. These little life hacks could make you rise to the top of the class.