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Five Food Mistakes Parents Make

It can be tough to inspire your child to prefer healthy foods, and quite frankly, quite tiring.  Yet, it’s so worth it, largely because eating preferences are determined early in life.

Of course, no parent, even the most motivated, is perfect.  Here are some common food-related mistakes we make with children, and some simple solutions.

• Leaving the kids at home when you shop. Grocery shopping with young kids can test the limits of your patience, but given the right conditions, taking your children to shop for healthy foods sets a good example. Avoid conflict by shopping with well-rested kids who are not hungry.  Take a list with you to avoid having to think too much about what you’re buying.  Small children tire easily, so keep your time in the store to about an hour.  For older children, talk about what to buy to make healthy meals and snacks, then have them make a list of what you need at the store.

• Allowing children to skip breakfast.  September is Better Breakfast Month. What better way to promote the idea that kids must start the day with a nutritious breakfast to keep them in top form in the classroom and on the playing field? If your child doesn’t go in for traditional breakfast foods, such as Mom’s Best Naturals cereals, milk, and fruit, then think outside the box: let him have a sandwich or leftover pizza, and fruit.  No time in the morning? Simplify the morning chaos by getting up 10 minutes earlier, and by getting ready the night before for the next day.

• Serving low-nutrient snacks. Children consume about 25 percent of their calories as snacks, so these between-meal noshes should be more than salty chips and sugary drinks.  Serve your child a variety of foods he would have at any healthy meal, such as a bowl of Mom’s Best Naturals and low-fat milk, fruit and yogurt, or cheese and an apple. That way, you won’t have to worry how much he eats at his next meal.

• Pressuring kids to eat when they’re not hungry. This is one of the most egregious of all parental sins at the table. Children are born with an innate ability to regulate their own hunger.  The trouble comes when we think our kids haven’t eaten enough, and we cajole, beg, and harrass them to take just a few more bites. Trust your child’s instincts. If you think he needs to eat more vegetables, dairy products, and whole grains, see the advice about snacks.

• Discussing your body image in front of your kids. You think your thighs could be thinner, and you’re wondering why your belly is so big. Keep it to yourself! Children soak up everything they hear.  Problem is, they may start to think that their body isn’t good enough, based on what you have to say about your own.  Girls – and boys – face a lot of societal pressure to be thin, and they don’t need the added doubt about their bodies that your conversation may spark.