Healthy Kids

I know off hand how hard it is to get kids to eat healthy. My son is 12. soon to be 13 and he is not overly fussy, but there are things he will not eat.

If you have a fussy child then here are some tips for you.

• Do not not force, bribe or coerce your child to eat.
• Set a good example by eating at least five fruits and vegetables, three whole grain products, and three dairy servings per day. Remember, kids learn by example.
• Make mealtimes pleasant. Have fun, talk and laugh. Eat as a family at the dinner table.
• Encourage your children to help in meal planning, preparation, and cleanup. We are all very busy and you need family time when ever you can get it.
• Back off when mealtime becomes a power struggle. Thinks, is it really worth it?
• Accept food binges as phases that will pass.
• Accept the fact that your child is an individual and will dislike certain foods. My son refuses to eat cheese!!
• Do not give up on introducing your child to new foods.
• As the parent, you are responsible for deciding when and what to serve. The child is responsible for deciding how much (if any) they will eat.
• If your child is a fussy eater, give him/her a multivitamin-mineral supplement.