The next time you’re tempted by a bag of chips, make sure your kids are around, as the old adage “do as I say, not as I do” doesn’t work when it comes to teaching good eating habits. the children.
Parents need to be aware that the choices they make have a big impact on their children. And children begin to learn eating behaviors and patterns at a very early age. Greens, fruits, vegetables and whole grains can become part of your children’s diet. For this, consider the following:
be a good example
Several studies have shown that children mirror the food of their parents and guardians to acquire their tastes at the table. So let him see you eating whole grains for breakfast, fruit as a snack, and vegetables at other meals.
Taking advantage of harvests is a good way to guarantee a variety of fruits and vegetables in the family’s diet, without the excuse of price interfering with choices. If you can’t give up your cookies and sodas, choose to eat these foods when the kids aren’t around. It is also important to keep any treats that are at home away from the eyes of the little ones.
Be patient and persist in the face of rejection
One piece of advice from experts is to mix foods that children like with foods that you are trying to challenge them to eat in the same meal. And don’t give up in the face of food rejection, considering not to force intake. What matters is to continue offering food.
Make shopping a learning experience
Teach children to choose fruits and vegetables at the fair or supermarket, and even reinforce math notions with the price of items and the variety that exists in a species. Comparing the nutritional value of foods is also interesting for children to distinguish less or more healthy foods.
Involve the kids in the kitchen
Letting your kids help out in the kitchen can give them a better understanding of food. The more they get involved, the greater the chance they will enjoy the food. Fun dishes pique the child’s interest.
Allow occasional treats
Insisting that your children eat only healthy foods can lead to abuse when you are out of sight. That’s why balance is always the best way out, allowing them to have the occasional treat, even if it’s something not very healthy for them. A proper childhood menu lays the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy eating for your child.
