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:
1.
Don't use food as a reward. Avoid using dessert as
a reward for eating a meal, or offering sweets for completing
a chore.
2. Establish schedules for meals and snacks.
Kids like knowing what to expect.
3. Don't force kids to eat new foods. Instead
ask them to try it. If they resist, tell them its okay. Many
kids need to see a new food several times before they can
muster the courage to experiment with something new.
4. 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.
5. 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.
About
the authors: Cheryl Tallman and Joan Ahlers are sisters, the
mothers of five children and founders of Fresh Baby, creators
of products such as homemade baby food kits, baby food cookbooks,
baby food and breast milk storage trays, breastfeeding reminders,
and child development diaries. Visit them online at www.FreshBaby.com
and subscribe to their Fresh Ideas newsletter to get monthly
ideas, tips and activities for developing your family's healthy
eating habits!
|
