It's common for food to become a source of conflict in most families. Many parents employ a bargaining or bribing approach to get their kids to eat healthy foods. This is not the best strategy as it encourages your child to resist, a trait that most kids excel at from a very young age.
An alternate strategy that will net better results is to give kids some control in deciding what foods to eat. Of course, as a parent your job is to ensure that the choices available in your home are healthy ones.
Your child can decide if she is hungry, what she will eat from the foods that you are serving, and when she is full. Here are some tips that may help you out:
- Don't use food as a reward. Avoid using dessert as a reward for eating a meal, or offering sweets for completing a chore.
- Establish schedules for meals and snacks. Kids like knowing what to expect.
- Don't force kids to eat new foods. Instead ask them to try it. If they resist, tell them it's okay. Many kids need to see a new food several times before they can muster the courage to experiment with something new.
- Don't force your kids to finish all their food. Doing so teaches them to overeat and eventually this habit can override their ability to stop eating when they are full.
- Don't use food as a way of showing love. When you want to show love, give them a hug, some of your time, or praise.
It's common for food to become a source of conflict in most
families. Many parents employ a bargaining or bribing approach to
get their kids to eat healthy foods. This is not the best strategy
as it encourages your child to resist, a trait that most...
More
Cheryl Tallman answered:It's common for food to become a source of conflict in most families. Many parents employ a bargaining or bribing approach to get their kids to eat healthy foods. This is not the best strategy as it encourages your child to resist, a trait that most kids excel at from a very young age.
Ms. Vandana Sheth of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics answered:Recognize that it is your responsibility as a parent to prepare and serve the food to your child and your child's responsibility as to how much he/she eats. Also realize that it can take anywhere from 10-20 exposures to a new food before developing a palate. After 3 failed attempts at introducing a new food take a break and try again in a few days/weeks. Encourage your child to enjoy a wide variety of foods, colors, textures and flavors by modeling eating behavior and leading by example. Explore the grocery store or local market together to select new foods. Serve small, bite-size portions of a new food with familiar foods at the meal. Encourage and praise rather than bribe. Recognize age-appropriate portion size of foods that are being served. Keep family mealtime positive.Recognize that it is your responsibility as a parent to prepare and serve the food to your child and your child's responsibility as to how much he/she eats. Also realize that it can take anywhere from 10-20 exposures to a new food before... More
