Many parents have a difficult time getting their young children to eat well or eat enough or eat at all. So what’s the secret to getting your child to eat healthy food?
Here are some ideas:
1.) Provide healthy food so junk food is not a temptation for children. Teach them from a young age the importance of eating proper food. Children’s bodies are growing and developing at such a fast rate, it is so important that they receive the proper daily nutrition.
2.) Your children will often develop the same eating habits as you. Children watch and learn everything by your example. If you aren’t eating vegetables, how can you expect them to?
3.) Make eating exciting by giving fun nicknames for food
4.) Cut food into different shapes so it’s fun to eat
5.) Sing a song or play a game about the food
6.) Have other children eat good food in front of your child
7.) Offer an assortment of foods so your child will learn to like a variety of different foods.
Studies have shown that children breastfed for less than six months are more likely to become picky eaters. So it may be a good idea to breastfeed as long as possible.
Try to use all the food groups as a guide for healthy nutrition for your child. While the common “chicken fingers and french fries” lunch may seem easy, introduce more healthy options and your child might surprise you. Good luck!
(Photo credit: Flikr)
Thu, Jul 23, 2009
Children's Health