This week the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) issued new nutrition rules for school lunches. Briefly, more fruits, veggies and whole grains and less of the fat and salty stuff.

Good intentions, of course. But will tweens really reach for the banana over the Twinkie? Middle schoolers are pretty stubborn about their food choices, and by the time a child hits 6th grade, they've already decided what they will and will not eat. Getting a tween to break away from unhealthy habits takes a lot of dedication on the parent's part, and some pretty clever solutions at mealtime, and when your family is out and about.

My take: if you want your child to eat a healthier lunch at school, it's probably best to pack one rather than purchase any of the school options. Take a trip to the grocery store together to pick out fruits and other healthy choices. Give your child a little control over his meals, and some gentle direction. That will probably do more for him than any government guideline.

A lot has been written about what kids wear to school these days. While many schools have dress codes in place, that doesn't mean that they're followed by the student body, or enforced by the school staff and administration. At some schools, anything goes. At others, dress codes are strictly enforced, and that doesn't always go over well with the kids, or even at times, with parents.

It's a slippery slope, I guess. You want your children to develop a sense of who they are, but you also want them dressing and behaving appropriately. And let's face it. Certain dress code violations can be disruptive in class.

So, where do you stand? And does your child's school enforce dress codes? Are the dress codes too strict or not strict enough?

More on School Rules

• Middle School Dress Codes

The stores are already stocked with Valentine cards, candy and heart-shaped boxes. I still don't know if my daughter's class will celebrate with a Valentine's day party this year. I really hope they do, it will probably be the last time for her, as she's on her way to middle school and we all know those cute classroom parties don't follow them there. Or any seasonal party, for that matter.

I'll miss them. I enjoyed volunteering for class parties, and I probably had as much fun as the kids did. Their absense from the school routine is just another reminder that my child is growing up.

Happens to the best of them.

We've had a pretty warm winter where I live, and it doesn't look like we'll be getting any of the white stuff. Too bad. All the kids I know deserve a day of play in the snow. As much as I hate having to figure out my work schedule when school closes unexpectedly, I do enjoy all the fun the kids in my neighborhood have any time it snows.

So, we'll just have to find other ways to enjoy this season this year. Maybe  a trip to the local ice skating rink. Or a weekend road trip to the mountains, where my kids can ski and tube. I'll have to see what the family budget will allow.