Kids eat what’s available at home. Control what you have in your pantry!
Kids eat what’s available at home. Control what you have in your pantry!
Looking for ways to instill healthy, lifelong eating habits in your child?
Start early! Help your child absorb knowledge of good food and nutrients—and set his foundation for a healthy life ahead. Here are some tips on how you can lay the groundwork early.
Eat Together
Regular family meals provide comfort to a toddler and allows the family to bond. Use this time to introduce new foods to your child. Don’t worry if he refuses. “No” doesn’t really mean “no.” It often means “not now.” So try and try and try again.
Be a Role Model
The best way for you to encourage healthy eating is to eat well yourself. Try not to battle over having a “proper diet” as food should not be the main issue or focus in your child’s life. Your child will always eat whatever is served in school, their friends’ homes, the mall and everywhere else. In situations like these, persevere and always set a good example and allow your children to internalise healthy eating habits without conscious effort.
Kids, especially toddlers will follow the lead of adults they see every day. By eating fruits and vegetables and not over indulging on junk food—you’ll be sending them the right message! You should also indulge in appropriate portions and not overeat. Plant these thoughts by talking about your feelings of fullness—for example, “What a delicious meal, but I’m so full already! I think I’ll stop eating now.” Similarly, parents who are always dieting or complaining about their bodies may foster negative feelings about food in their kids as well. Therefore, always keep a positive approach about food!
Enjoy in moderation! Try to eat at home more often than out.
Take Cues from Your Child
Part of teaching your child healthy eating habits is to help him recognise when he feels hungry and when he feels full. Force-feeding will cause him to ignore his body signals, and this could lead to overeating and weight problems later on. If he has trouble finishing his food, cut down on portions and let him ask for more if he wants it.
Reward with Love
Never reward your children for finishing their food. This sends the wrong message—that finishing meals are a task. Also, avoid using food as a way for showing love as this will develop unhealthy emotional relationships with food, which can in turn lead to overeating later on. Show your love by praising your children with a hug or a kiss.
Get Them Involved!
Encourage healthy habits to stick to—include your children in deciding what healthy food they want to eat, in the kitchen or when grocery shopping. Talk to them about making choices and planning a balanced meal. Select age-appropriate tasks, so they too can play a part.
Remember to be patient and never give up. Instilling healthy eating habits can be difficult at times, but the rewards that come out of it is worth it!
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