Food for Thought
As a parent educator in the early childhood family education program in the Virginia school district, I lead discussions about every parenting dilemma imaginable. However, a lot of them have to do with children and food. “How do I get my child to try new foods?” “How do I get my child to eat what I put on the table?” “How do I get my child to eat foods that are good for him?” All of these questions are valid and understandable. We’ve all been there, right? The topic of children and food gives all of us who live and work with young children “food for thought.”
One of the most important things to keep in mind when it comes to children and food is that parents cannot (and should not) force a child to eat. Offer a wide variety of nutritious foods; but if it is not eaten, simply take the food away and present it again at a different time. Do not get into the habit of making a separate meal to please the child. This can lead to the development of a “picky eater.”
When encouraging children to try new foods, remember that a taste is just a taste. Let the child decide the amount to try. Keep offering new foods. Recent research has found that many young children must be offered a food eight to ten times before they will try it.
There is alot to be said for parents as role models when it comes to eating a variety of foods. This is where imitation is a powerful force for learning! For example, if you want your child to drink milk, make sure he sees you drinking milk as well. Open up your own mind to trying new and nutritious foods. If your family has always had white rice, branch out to brown mixed with white in a favorite dish. If your family has always had white bread, branch out to 100% whole wheat. There are many brands that are soft and light and very similar to the texture and taste of white bread.
Some other tips for developing good eating habits in children include: serving an unfamiliar food with a familiar one, involving children in the choice of foods at the store and helping with the preparation of meals, inviting children’s friends for meals (encouraging your child to eat while watching another child eating), and involving children in the growing of a vegetable garden.
A parent’s job is to decide what food is offered, when the food is offered, and where it will be eaten. A child’s job is to decide if she will eat or not, what she will eat from the food offered, and how much she will eat. Remembering this can give parents peace of mind and will allow children the freedom and independence they crave to grow and learn.
Jill Phillips
ECFE Parent Educator
There is also