Probably the biggest problem most parents face with their kids is that of food –either the children are not eating enough of what’s good for them or they’re eating too much of what’s bad for them. Since neither option is desirable, you’re probably pulling out your hair in despair as you try to keep your kids away from all the fast food that’s being advertised on television and being made available at every street corner. And there’s the added pressure from peers who are eating what they want without any parental control, all ingredients that go to make your responsibility of making sure your child eats healthy food an uphill climb. It is a hard job, but one that you can accomplish with the following tips:
· First of all, know that each child is different and don’t expect your children to be like the ones next door. Avoid comparing them to other kids; instead, tell them what they should do in order to stay healthy for life.
· If you want your kids to eat healthy, you must set an example. So if there’s a rule that says no snacks in between meals, you must adhere to it too. The best way to do this is to keep only healthy snack options in the house. So if your kids (or you) are feeling hungry in between meals, you have to eat the fruits, nuts and other good kinds of food you have at home.
· Don’t give in to your children’s demands for something else to eat when they don’t like the menu you’ve prepared for a meal. If you feel guilty that they’re starving while you’re eating and make them something else, you’re setting a bad precedent that is very difficult to break as your child grows into an adult. Make your kids understand that healthy and balanced meals are a must if they are to stay disease-free and live a long life.
· Make healthy desserts that include fruits and vegetables (like ice creams and fruit salads and carrot cake). Your kids need to feel that you’re not depriving them of all the things that are good to eat.
· Pack their lunches for them instead of asking them to eat at the school cafeteria. It will take a little more work on your part, but it shows them that you care enough about their health.
· Talk to your children’s friends’ parents and their teachers to increase awareness about healthy food.
· Talk to your kids about the dangers of eating too many fried foods, fast food, junk food and food that is processed with lots of starch and sugar. Also tell them why soft drinks and other fizzy colas are not good for them instead of shouting at them whenever they indulge their taste buds.
· Make one day a week or in a fortnight “treat” day when they can eat and drink what they like so that they don’t feel the need to give in to their cravings at other times.
Getting your kids to eat the right food is a matter of persistence, patience and determination. You can’t ever give up even when the going is tough and they resist all your efforts, because it is a battle that must be fought even when victory does not seem to be forthcoming. After all, when it concerns your children’s health, you must come through for them, no matter how hard the task is.
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