They say “As you sow, so shall you reap”. Kids are the seeds when raised with the right guidance grow up as healthy adults. Habits are hard to break, sooner we manifest good healthy habits in children easier it is for the child to resist the bad habit.
As children start attending school their work load and activity increases, it’s as important as ever to establish healthy eating habits in and out of our homes. Many children, as they cross the age of six, begin to assert their foodie-will more than ever. They may reiterate that they only want to eat the thing they like, rather than eat different preparation of food. They may also seem to not care about skipping meals or eating very little when food is not prepared as per their current cravings making them a fussy child.
There are few habits you can incorporate to make a child fuss free.
Set a Good Example
Children like to imitate. If you want your kids to follow a healthy meal plan, set a good example by following one yourself. If your child sees you reaching for an apple to snack on, she might reach for one herself. You should also have set times for meals and eat as a family. Expecting meals at the same time improves appetite and prevents unnecessary snacking.
Let Your Children Help
To get your kids to make healthier choices, get them involved with the planning. Ask them for dinner suggestions or designate a day for kid’s choice. Let your child decide what they eat. Alternative, ask them to help you out with making a new recipe, setting the table or rolling up that wrap. Giving them choices and involving them in preparation limits mealtime tension.
Homely Comfort
Unhealthy eating is often associated with the state of the mind. It is believed since time immemorial that a child flourishes the most in a homely, warm environment. His intellectual capacities develop, there are few instances of developing phobias, and he is nourished adequately. Similarly, home cooked meals provided vital food energy for his physical, mental and emotional well being. Eat fresh hot meals as a family atleast twice a day to spend time to bond.
Making Time
Research reveals that over a third of parents let their children snack on chocolate or crisps rather than fruit because they are more convenient – it’s simply less hassle than resisting the kids’ requests for unhealthier choices. The survey also indicates that cost is another factor – as more than half of parents believe it’s cheaper for their child to eat less healthy snack options. Not True! Spend an hour over the weekend to plan the weeks menu’s & snacks and keep your pantry stocked accordingly. Veggie sticks with dips/ fruit yoghurt/ home made cookies are healthier options to reach out when hungry.
No TV Dinners
Eating while watching the TV, or playing a gad on the mobile phone etc. distracts your mind to eat moderately. Children tend to over eat this way, and do not register new food flavours and textures – thus, growing up to be fussy.
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Dhvani Shah's Blog 