 |
We all know how difficult it can be to get kids to eat nutritious foods! You're not alone - most children go through periods where they will reject certain foods - even foods that they have previously liked.
Although it may seem to you that your child isn't eating enough, children's appetites are often quite in tune with what their bodies need at that particular time. If your child seems happy and healthy, then they are probably getting enough to eat.
Here are a few tips to help you cope with fussy eaters:
- Don't reward poor eating behaviour with attention or bribes. If your child refuses to eat a meal, take the plate away without any fuss and don't offer any other food as a substitute. Offering bribes such as ice cream in order to finish a meal may work in the short term but it can backfire in the long run. Children will reject less liked food if they think that their behaviour will result in them getting something that they like better.
- Try not to let it become a big deal. Children will eat if they are hungry. The most important thing isn't making sure that your child eats dinner, but ensuring that children are eating enough nutritious foods to keep them going and growing throughout the day. If your child doesn't eat much dinner, make sure that they have a range of nutritious foods for lunch.
- Little and often. Small children have small stomachs. Giving small meals with healthy snacks in between can often be more effective than trying to get them to eat three big meals. Offering nutritious snacks such as a piece of cheese, a glass of milk or a few vegetable sticks will help ensure that they get the nutrients that they need even if they don't eat a big dinner.
- Set yourself up for success. Don't let children fill up on sugary drinks and unhealthy snacks before dinner time. Try to offer a choice of foods. If a child is hungry and there is a choice of several nutritious options in front of them they are bound to eat something!
- Get the kids into the kitchen. Allowing children to help in preparing a meal gives them a sense of ownership and they are much more likely to want to eat their own creation! Even very young children can usually be given a job to do - whether it's tearing up the lettuce for a salad, stirring a mixture or watching the kitchen timer for when the meal should come out of the oven. Plus they'll also learn valuable life skills along the way.
|
|
