We all have small children at home who are reluctant to eat food. When it comes to healthy homemade food, children turn away from the food. In such a situation, every parent is worried because this is the time when the child grows. Not eating food affects children's health as well as their physical and mental development.
Parents often do things to feed their children, which further distract the child from eating. Dietician Loveleen Kaur says that as parents, our words, our actions and the way we talk affect the eating habits of children. Let us know from experts which tips can be useful in feeding healthy food to the child.
These habits of parents keep children away from healthy eating
- A small child should always be encouraged to eat, whereas today's parents tell the child on every occasion that he does not eat anything, doing so kills the child's confidence and makes him run away from food.
- Often children are reluctant to eat the last bite and parents pressure the child to finish the last bite. While doing this should be avoided, it can make the child lose his appetite for eating.
- To feed them healthily, parents try to bribe their children. Like if you eat fruit now you will get chocolate. Apart from this, to finish their meal, children are lured to play games on the phone. One should avoid doing this.
- While feeding their children, parents often compare them with their cousins or neighbourhood friends. By doing this, the children may feel pressured and this can lead to negative feelings about food in the children.
How to feed healthy food to the child
- Children eat what adults eat, so eat healthy yourself and set an example for children.
- Eating alone can be boring, so always eat together. If you have a big family then eat together because children follow what they see.
- Every parent knows how much to feed their children, but still let the child decide the portion himself.
- Do not always stick to healthy food, feed junk food once a week.
- Give food only when your child is hungry.
- Do not get angry at children while feeding them, do not threaten them. Always feed the child with a loving smile.
- Make simple food attractive and present it.
- Make children's dinner plates colourful with fruits and grains; feeding them in some special shapes increases their interest in food.
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