Teaching heathy food habits to kids

H2Ologist

When I was growing up, I was not taught healthy eating habits. I was raised on meat and potatoes and always had to clean my plate. If we had veggies, they were dipping in butter. Needless to say I've been heavy all my life. I now have a daughter and want her to not have the weight problems I did.

I don't want her to see food as a reward such as giving her candy for picking up her toys. But I don't want it to seem like a punishment such as forcing her to finish her plate.

Does anyone have suggestions on a good approach to keep the balance?

neandermagnon

Lead by example. i.e. have family meals of healthy foods, and sit and eat as a family. Enjoy eating together in a relaxed atmosphere, and she'll develop her own love of healthy food. Let her decide how much she wants to eat of healthy foods and she'll learn to listen to her body's needs. Don't get into battles over food, it only leads to kids eating less, not more. I have a rule whereby kids choose what goes on their plates from what's available on the table, but they must eat what they put on their plate. Kids under 2 need to be allowed to play with their food as it's part of how they learn to eat. Save teaching table manners until they're 3. Also, I did baby led weaning with mine, and although it's messy initially, they learned to eat tidily more quickly than kids who are spoon fed. A rule I have regarding picking vegetables they don't like out of meals, is that they have to kiss it goodbye before they give it to me. I got this from a child psychologist on a TV programme. Apparently it helps kids to get used to having new and unfamiliar foods and foods they don't like so much next to their mouth, and it's easier to go from that to trying the food than when it's completely unfamiliar. Apparently it takes about 20 times for a child to try a new food before they like it.

Give non-food rewards for things for picking up her toys. Praise is usually enough, and also making things into challenges helps motivate kids to get stuff done (e.g. see if you can pick up all your toys before I finish (whatever short task you're doing)"

RunDoozer

My daughter doesnt eat very much so I am always trying to get her to eat a little more than she wants to. But its never finish your plate like how I also grew up. Ill get her to eat 3-4 more bites after she says she's full. She's 5 and borderline underweight so we do have to watch what she eats so that she's healthy. But im never going to make my child finish their plate of food just because it's there.

As far as candy and whatnot I just use it as an occasional treat usually like once a week or something. Although I don't usually attach it to anything that she's done. I don't like rewarding things done with food. We might do other special things if shes been good in school or what not like go swimming or to the park. Active things rather than resorting to candy and popsicles and what not.