This archive report was first published on 24 June 2020.
As a parent, it's natural to worry about your child's eating habits. Children need a balanced diet to aid in growth and development, and relying solely on supplements is not a substitute for wholesome foods.
With schools reopening soon, it's an ideal time to encourage your child to eat healthier and boost their immune system. Here are seven ways to get your kids to eat better:
Involve Them in Food Preparation ¶
One effective way to make your kids excited about eating is to involve them in the preparations. Get them to chop vegetables, stir the pot, or add ingredients. This will make them want to eat the food they have helped to prepare.
Have Fixed Times for Meals and Snacks ¶
Ensure that your child has their snack at certain times, and in between that they can't eat anything. This will ensure that come mealtimes, they are hungry enough to eat what you present them with.
Look for New Ways to Cook Food ¶
Get creative with how you cook food, varying the recipes so as to add some novelty to the food. This will help your child get more excited to eat.
Lead by Example ¶
One way to teach your children to love healthy food is to show them that you like it as well. If they see you reaching for more fruits and vegetables and opting for healthier snacks, they will want to emulate you.
Build on What They Already Love ¶
Introducing new foods can be tricky, especially if they have a different flavor or texture from what your child is used to. If you want to introduce new foods, pair them with foods that your child already likes.
Disguise the Food ¶
If your child doesn't take to certain foods, you can hide them in foods that they like. For example, puree carrots and add them to homemade sauces, make veggie burgers, or add vegetables to fruit smoothies.
Have Family Mealtimes ¶
When you serve food on the table and eat together as a family, your child will feel more encouraged to eat. If they're old enough, allow them to serve themselves picking what they want to eat from what has been served.
By implementing these simple tips, you can encourage your child to develop healthy eating habits that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.
