Help your Kids Finish their Meals

PARENTING COLUMN

Children are more likely to eat foods that they have helped to prepare. Involve your child in meal planning and preparation. Ask them for their input on what they would like to eat and let them help with simple tasks like stirring or measuring ingredients.

Getting kids to finish their meals can be a struggle for many parents. However, it is important to ensure that children eat a healthy and balanced diet to support their growth and development. Here are some effective ways to help your kids finish their meals:

Serve smaller portions: Kids can often feel overwhelmed by large portions of food. Try serving smaller portions that are more manageable for your child. You can always offer seconds if they are still hungry.

Serve age-appropriate portions: The amount of food your child needs will depend on their age and size. Use age-appropriate portion sizes as a guideline to avoid overfeeding your child.

Involve your child in meal planning: Children are more likely to eat foods that they have helped to prepare. Involve your child in meal planning and preparation. Ask them for their input on what they would like to eat and let them help with simple tasks like stirring or measuring ingredients.

Offer a variety of foods: Kids can be fussy eaters, but offering a variety of foods can help to expose them to new tastes and textures. Try to include a range of different food groups in each meal, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Use colourful and creative presentations: Make the meal more interesting by using creative presentations. For example, you can cut fruits and vegetables into fun shapes, arrange them on the plate in a visually appealing way, or use a colourful plate.

Make mealtime enjoyable: Mealtime should be a pleasant experience for your child. Avoid making it a time of stress or conflict. Instead, create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere by talking to your child about their day, playing soft background music, or allowing them to choose the seating arrangement.

Set a good example: Children often model their behaviour after their parents. If you want your child to eat healthy and finish their meals, set a good example by doing the same yourself. Eat a variety of healthy foods and finish your own meals.

Use positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement can be an effective way to encourage your child to eat. Praise them when they finish their meals or try a new food. You can also offer small rewards, such as a sticker or a favourite activity, as a way to encourage them.

Avoid distractions: Mealtime should be a time for eating and socialising, not watching TV or playing on electronic devices. Avoid using electronic devices or allowing your child to watch TV during meals, as this can distract them from eating.

Don't force your child to eat: Forcing your child to eat can be counterproductive and may lead to negative associations with mealtime. Instead, encourage your child to eat, but respect their decision if they are not hungry or do not want to finish their meal.

Create a routine: Establishing a mealtime routine can help your child to develop healthy eating habits. Try to eat meals at the same time every day and avoid skipping meals.

Offer healthy snacks: If your child is hungry between meals, offer healthy snacks such as fruits, vegetables, or whole-grain crackers. This can help to prevent them from overeating at mealtime.

Never stop praising them:Childhood is the time when they are most in need of it. Hence, always applaud them when they finish their meals or ask for anything to eat. To encourage them for the next time, say "good baby" or "well done."

Let them mimic you; infants are natural mimics. Are they not? Children imitate their parents' eating habits. If they observe you eating well, they will soon follow suit and do the same.

Be patient: Children can be slow eaters and may take longer to finish their meals. Be patient and avoid rushing them. Encourage them to eat at their own pace. Kids need time to develop good eating habits; it takes time. Make meals a priority in your children's lives by making little everyday efforts.

Seek help if necessary: If you are concerned about your child's eating habits or weight, seek help from a healthcare professional. They can provide advice and support to ensure that your child is getting the nutrition they need.

In conclusion, getting your child to finish their meals can be a challenge, but it is important to encourage healthy eating habits to support their growth and development. Use these tips to help your child enjoy mealtime