Feeding Kids
Feeding kids is a battle most parents know about. How do you get
them to eat good healthy food
The important thing is not to stress when they don’t want to
eat. Small children, in particular, follow their instincts when
it comes to eating. Sometimes they need a lot; sometimes they
just don’t need much. Trying to bribe them with things that
aren’t a normal part of their diet, in the long run, will do
more harm than good.
Food can soon become a source of power for the young child, a
way of getting what they want, a way of manipulating you. Never
use food as a bribe.
When offering different foods to a child, just so they will eat
something, the idea of not listening to your bodies needs is
introduced. We are on our way to developing fussy eaters. A
vicious cycle has begun.
I have heard of many different eating patterns of children, and
it is obvious where these eating patterns have begun. One
family, the children wouldn’t eat vegetables unless they were
smothered in honey. You must ask “Where did they get the idea of
putting honey on their vegetables in the first place?” Other
kids won’t eat anything but junk food; they have to have their
daily supply of chips and/or lollies.
Getting your children to eat a good healthy diet very much
depends on you. They will learn from you and eat what you eat.
The best way to ensure that they are not filling up on unhealthy
food is simply, not to have it in the house. If you like to have
a little treat, make it that. Have one “treat" once a week. Make
it special, not an everyday occurrence.
Kids, who don’t have a regular diet of sweet things, really
don’t develop a sweet tooth. This I have also seen many times.
We never had sweet biscuits in the house when our kids were
young. Now at 20 and 18, they just don’t eat sweet biscuits,
well except for a very occasional chocolate biscuit. They used
to feel insulted as small children when they went out and all
that was offered to the children was cordial and biscuits. I
couldn’t count the number of times they came to me when we were
out and said “Mum, but there’s nothing to eat".
I know kids who don’t like chocolate, as it has never been a
part of their diet, or won’t drink frizzy drinks, as they just
haven’t had them offered to them at home.
It is important thing to give your child choices, but you can
decide what those choices are. Offer them good wholesome food.
Have lots of fresh fruit available. Dried fruits are also very
popular with kids. Vegetable sticks are great, give them
something to dip them in, like peanut butter and it makes them
more interesting. Freshly popped popcorn is always fun and
popular. There are many snacks available that are healthy and
tasty that your kids will enjoy.
Take time to enjoy your eating time with your family. Teach your
children the pleasures of good food and the fun you can share
together in preparation for a meal. Make it an experience.
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