All parents surely know that many preferences, including taste preferences, are established in childhood, while the child is particularly susceptible. The ability to choose the right thing and the desire to eat something healthy instead of sweets or baked goods is a habit. The earlier you help your child begin the process of becoming sensible with their eating habits, the better.
You know that teaching your child to eat healthily can be very difficult. For example, modern teenagers are so used to sweets, salty foods, and processed food that they react to healthy food by saying: “I don’t want to”, “I won’t eat that”, “I don’t like vegetables” and so on.
Don’t despair! With the right approach, you can help your children develop healthy eating habits which they will stick to as adults. You need to show your child that eating healthy is fun and that children worldwide eat healthy foods. Let’s try to identify worthwhile tips that will help you do this, which we researched through numerous publications of the best writers included in the writing services reviews All Top Reviews.
Be a role model for your kids
Set a good example for your child when it comes to eating right. If you eat sweets or overindulge in fast food in front of them, explaining that adults are allowed, they will want to grow up to eat the forbidden foods sooner rather than later.
If possible, eat breakfast or dinner as a family – at least on weekends. Everyone should have roughly the same menu or part of a main meal: soup and oatmeal for dad, mum, and siblings. Yogurt and fruit can go for dessert for everyone. And it’s worth asking which hot meal your child likes best – he or she should have a choice.
Keep your nutrition varied
Your daily meals should contain all essential vitamins and minerals. The body needs sufficient fluids, proteins, fats and carbohydrates, and micronutrients for health and good spirits. But take care of a varied menu. Eating the same things can lead to a deficiency of essential vitamins, boredom and the baby starts to reject previously favorite foods.
Calculate the portion size correctly
We’re used to hearing from parents that there shouldn’t be anything left on the plate. However, the damage to your health is much worse if you eat when you are full! We should stop trying to finish everything on the plate and teach our children not to do it. An interesting system for measuring food portions is “in the palm of your hand”: the portion size is the food that “fits” in your hand.
Create rituals related to eating
Warn kids in advance about meal times, and teach them to wash their hands before and after meals. You can teach your kids to help adults with serving, sit upright at the table, eat neatly, use utensils and napkins correctly, clear the table after meals, and wash dishes – simple steps to develop a good eating culture. Your child will appreciate your efforts more than once in a society where table culture is treated with sensitivity.
Eat in a designated and equipped place for eating
Eat at a properly set table. You should provide your child with his own set of utensils. If the kid is old enough, he/she can choose his own plate, cup, and utensils from any shop. This aspect should not be underestimated for one simple reason: in this way, your child understands that food is important and will take more responsibility and care in this area of life in the future.
Permit your child to take part in cooking
Young children enjoy helping their parents prepare meals. And what an appetite they have for the food they have cooked! If your child still refuses certain foods, such as vegetables, you can do something tricky: add carrot juice or other vegetable juice to a smoothie or chopped vegetables in a blender to your child’s favorite meal. You can also order a personal cookbook with great recipes for your kids through the writing services Trust My Paper.
Ensure you give praise
It has been proven more than once that praise works much better than punishment and positive reinforcement has a much stronger effect. Praise your child when he/she chooses the right foods, encourage when he/she cleans up the table, try to eat neatly and not spill, when he/she finishes eating, observe the rules, and sit quietly at the table. There are so many reasons for praise, don’t miss the chance and make your child happy with your approval.
Don’t use food to manipulate
Food should not be a comfort, encouragement, or punishment for your child. You should reconsider your eating habits. Even very young children notice everything: If you eat sweets all the time, kids are bound to want to try them later, and you won’t be able to explain to kids that it is bad for them.
The whole family should follow the same rules
Try to agree with all family members (even those who live separately but with whom your child sees you regularly) on a common approach to healthy eating principles and food culture. Similarly, the prohibition of regularly leaving the table during meals to raid the TV or for other “urgent matters” should be supported by all family members involved in the child’s upbringing.
Surround food with positive emotions
A child should only have positive emotions around food: eating is not only about satiating the body with nutrients, but it is also about pleasure. Don’t force your child to eat, give as much food as he or she is willing to eat, and don’t rush, persuade or intimidate him or her. If your child refuses to eat a “tasteless” but healthy product, experiment with ways of preparing and serving it but don’t scold or punish the child for refusing it. Continue to offer the product in different forms, without too much pressure, and with long pauses. After all, your baby’s refusal of a particular food can be a signal of latent food intolerance, and by insisting on it, you may not only fail to do good but also cause harm.
Conclusion
The quality of nutrition determines a child’s immune system, physical and mental development, and nutritional behavior as an adult. A clear plan of action with simple steps can teach your child to choose healthy foods at a time when there are so many attractive food temptations around. You should educate and discipline yourself, make sure you follow the principles of healthy eating habits and pass them on to your children.
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