In the previous parenting post, we talked about how to keep a toddler busy and entertained. Every parent goes through the phase when the kid test their patience in terms of food, tastes. They act fussy, complaining about the food that is being offered to them. Today, obesity among kids is a  serious issue. Being a parent, we want to give them healthy food choices. But the challenge is to make those healthy choices appealing. So, how to deal with it? We know that healthy eating stabilizes kid’s energy, sharpen their minds. How to deal with picky eaters and how to develop healthy eating habits in kids? Yes, that’s today’s topic.

 

 

• Set a routine: I always stress over the need of maintaining a routine when it comes to kids. Discipline automatically comes with routine. Routine here means Eating routine. For example Lunch time, Dinner time, Snack time. Eating at a proper time eliminates eating junk.

 

• Mini meals culture: Its works good with young kids as well as with grown-ups. Young kids feel hungry very frequently. They can’t finish off a big portion in one sitting. So, breaking their meals into mini meals can be helpful. That doesn’t mean that you should divide their Lunch time into 2-mini lunches. Keep the Lunch as it is but after that have 1 or 2 snack options ready.

 

• Appearance matters: Sometimes changing their plate helps. Kids love colorful stuff. There are so many options available now. Pick one of your kiddo’s favorite. Colored straw, Minnie Mouse cup, Micky Mouse plate or Frozen themed mugs can do wonders.

 

• Introduce the two words-HAPPY PLATE: My daughter learned this at her preschool.  Kids would get sticker if they make a Happy Plate. So, basically Happy Plate is nothing but finishing up everything from the plate. Cool..ha…

 

• Don’t offer chocolate or candy as a reward: In other words, candy should not be used as a motivator for finishing food. We are trying to develop healthy eating habits. Right? Instead, you can give them candy as a dessert (once in a while). Healthy option would be fruit but kids too need some change. But saying that ‘if you finish this much then you will get a chocolate’ is totally wrong. You can ask your child if s(he) want to make something with you. That’s our next point.
  

 

• Do some cooking together: Put your aprons on and start cooking something together like Pasta, Pizza, Cake, potato peeling etc. At my place, making Pizza at home is like an activity that we enjoy doing together. Kids eat well when they have worked on it. To read more on cooking with kids, check out.
  

 

• Make Meal time a Family time: Decide one time when your kid can eat with you. Usually, that time is Dinner time. It helps the kid to understand the concept and importance of family time and table manners.
  

 

• Offer them variety: This doesn’t mean that your kid should be offered choices just because s(he) is not eating. But cook variety of food. Keep it a proper blend of your traditional food and other cuisine. But better not to try a new variety when they are super tired or sleepy.

 

• Plenty of physical activities: Even though kids are always on their toes but they still need some time for outdoor play. Who won’t eat when hungry?

 

Children develop a natural inclination and liking towards the foods they enjoy the most. At school, other kid’s food choices may influence your kid. That’s a natural tendency. But eating healthy and staying fit is something that starts from home. You set an example, tell them the importance of eating healthy, give them variety of food to help their taste buds grow, cook together, and eat together. All this will help in developing healthy eating habits  in kids.