It’s dinnertime and the tantrums about veggies begin. Does this scene sound familiar? Are you continuously worried about your child’s eating habits? Don’t worry. You are not the only one.
Here are a few tips to encourage your child to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
1. Get them involved while making food
When preparing meals, ask your child to help. They could suggest foods they would like to eat or what they do not want to eat. You could even ask them to do some simple parts of the preparation. They could add the dressing to the salad or place bread on either side of the sandwich. This way they know what they are eating and are more likely to eat something they made. It is also another way to bond with your child.
2. Give them the choice
The more you push your child to do something the more likely he or she is to resist it. If they do not like eggs, don’t force them to eat it. Suggest and incorporate substitutes such as lentils, nuts or beans in their food. This way they get the nutrition they need without a fight or tantrum during meal times.
3. Spread the food intake
One big mistake many parents make is to give their children three heavy meals with long gaps of no food in between. The tendency to snack in between and develop cravings for junk food increases. Combat this with by making a schedule where your child is eating every two to three hours. With this schedule, you are able to curb those cravings for junk food.
4. Water
Water is not only important for survival but is a key component for your child’s eating habits. Drinking a lot of water during the day will make the child feel full. Your child will tend not to crave food at the wrong times.
5. Make sure the family eats together
Have at least one meal where your entire family sits and eats together with no distractions. This way your child will learn to sit down and enjoy the meal in front of them rather than mindlessly eating in front of the television. They will get the opportunity to spend time with their family while enjoying a well-prepared meal.
Do you have any tips that work with your children? Let us know in the comments section below.
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About Sharanya Venkatesh
Sharanya Venkatesh is a Political Science major. Her passion is in Geography, journalism and law. She enjoys writing about various subject and is part of various theatre productions.
