Easy Ways To Make Your Children Eat
Posted: Wednesday, December 17, 2008
by Ansaar Modack
http://health-and-fitness-buzz.blogspot.com/
If you have kids you know how difficult it can be to get them to eat, and its even worse if they are fussy to start with. It is crucial for children to get the correct nutrition from their food and fortunately, there are ways and means to get them to eat even if they are reluctant to do so.
It might involve a bit more work but you could make a variety of dishes so that your kids can decide for themselves what they want to eat. Alternatively you could just ask them what they would like. If the child figures he or she can make their own decision from time to time, they would probably be happy to eat what was especially requested by them. It certainly makes things a whole lot easier for you. You could have a few favorites ready, like pizza, burgers, hotdogs, chicken nuggets and more.
Most kids decide by the look of the food whether they want to eat it or not. So add dashes of color to your food. Use red, green and yellow peppers, and other veggies like tomatoes and carrots. Another advantage of this is that the more color there is the more nutritional it is.
Another way to encourage children to eat is to name the food or dish after their favorite cartoon characters.Patrick pancakes or Barney beans can both bring a smile to your kid's face and to his or her stomach! If they are having fun while eating they are more likely to empty their plates.
Another way is to get your kids to help you in preparing the dishes. What child doesn't like to mess about in the kitchen? Again it can be both fun and educational. They get to learn about and see the ingredients used, and will feel part of the cooking process. They will feel that they made it themselves and therefore be more likely to eat it. Any ingredients that your kids do not like can be grinded in a mixer and added to the food, without the kids knowing of cause!
We know children are very picky but don't think that they do not know what they like and don't like. What they might not understand is why it is good for them; they depend on you for that.The important thing when feeding your child is variety and to be flexible, while still ensuring enough nutrition. Nobody wants meal time to be a war zone, and if you try these simple tips , it doesn't have to be.
A Modack is a health and fitness enthusiast and the writer of numerous articles and product reviews related to health and fitness. Want to learn more on how to accomplish easy weight loss and good health?
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Top-level comments on this article: (10 total)I usually do what most parents do, offer then a reward. It is part of the social fabric.
Great article, Ansaar. I think my grandson is one of the most picky eaters I have ever known. He will eat chinese, pizza, and chicken strips--that's it. No burgers, no hotdogs, no macaroni and cheese--all the things that most little kids loves, he won't touch. He is definitely not a meat eater. And bribery doesn't work--threats sometimes--begging and pleading never.Thanks for an interesting and informational article.Sandra
Love the cartoon character idea. Guess that is part of the reason branded products (waffles, cereals, etc) do so well, but never thought to make my own. My kids are grown, but soon I will have a grandson upon whom to use these tips.
Ansaar,Great write! And I must say that this statement is very true: "...Try 'an'[and] get your kids to at least take a bite of each dish that you make..."-My moms made this the number one rule at dinner time!Thanks for sharing
Thank you for sharing these tips. My kids loved food so much, I never had this problem. They took after my mom. She loves to eat, it actually makes her happy, I think the kids saw that in her when they were little and must have caught on. I think making meal times special also helps. My husband would always tell jokes at the dinner table so our kids looked forward to eating. I think when kids associate eating with special family time, it helps as well.Thanks again, I know these tips will help others. Blessings to you! Teresa
Cool idea. I like the part about naming the food. I will try that for sure.
My mother had the same problem with me. She always pray to me to eat a little bit. But i was not hungry.
Hi Ansaar, Timely article. I just watched my granddaughter entirely skip a lovely meal but enjoy the cake and ice cream after. Her mother had a copy of the Sneaky Chef in her Christmas bag, hopefully she'll use it.
Hi Ansaar,Great recommendations. Talk about picky eaters. My youngest meal after meal would just sit there smiling as I cried. Nothing I prepared seemed to stir up her taste buds. I'll pass this on to my friend who is now a "brand new" mommy and convinced her "little bundle of joy" will never change. Hope I'm around for the grand premiere.:-)Deborah
I enjoyed this - I've noticed that kids have eating issues when that's all they can control - and you've made it clear how important choices are! So easy to empower all parties - and find harmony - thanks for adding this info - always nice to add balance to life.Happy holidays - Cheryl
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