Almost all parents worry about their kids’ nutrition, and if nutrition is a sore topic in your household, you are not alone!
According to a study published in Contemporary Paediatrics, nearly two thirds of parents have at least one problem with their child’s eating habits. A small consolation if chicken nuggets are pretty much the extent of your pre-schoolers food preference, right?!
A great part of nurturing, of course, involves food and the role it plays in the life of a healthy thriving child. While we want our kids to eat every vegetable and embrace every level of the food pyramid, our best efforts are often snubbed by what seems to be mere stubbornness on the part of our offspring, turning mealtimes into a battlefield.
The good news is that pickiness for most kids is a passing phase. Remember Mom's and Dad, it’s rare that a child that eats anything and everything. In fact, most kids find some foods unpalatable. Keep in mind that at the end of the day, we all have food habits and preferences which are normal, as long as we have an overall healthy diet.
Here’s the thing, it's ok if your child doesn’t like vegetables; but, what’s not ok is for a parent to become so invested in a child’s eating habits that every meal becomes a source of dread for the whole family. Adam Strauss, M.D., paediatrician in Westwood and Mansfield, offers a word of caution: “When parents demand that their kids eat certain foods, they’re attaching negative connotations to it. Pretty soon, the struggle is worse.”
So, if you’re the Mama (or Dad) of a picky eater, be patient. You won’t change you’re little one’s eating habits overnight, but the small steps you take each day can promote a lifetime of healthy eating.
Source: www.mayoclinic.org, blog.landofnod.com, www.magiccrate.in, www.momadvice.com, cupofjo.com, www.webmd.com, www.babycenter.com, www.parenting.com, childmind.org, www.netmums.com, blog.mint.com, familyfoodllc.com, www.arktherapeutic.com, isliplibrary.org, www.parents.com
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.