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How To Avoid The Dinnertime Battles With Children?

14/09/2020 1086 mealtimes parenting dinner healthy food eating habits kids toddlers



Parents usually get frustrated or agitated when kids start battling at the dinner table, however, there are some gentle ways which can help parent solve the troubles at the table and boost the kid towards healthy eating habits and not be a picky eater. Follow these simple and easy tips to avoid battles during dinner time with children:

Let them participate: Ask your kids to participate in the kitchen chores and during meal preparation too. In this way, they will be interested in eating what they made. Tell the toddlers or younger kids to prepare healthy and easy meals.

Don’t label your child as ‘picky’ eater: Being selective while eating is normal among kids however, you must not call your kids a picky eater as it is a negative term, however, you can call them limited eater and they eat what they like.

Expose kids to food: a child must be exposed to food several times before they accept to eat it. Even if you notice that the child is only playing with the food in their plate, don’t worry, they will eventually end up eating it. All you have to do is be patient. Just expose one or two new foods every week.

Don’t bribe the kids: Usually, parents bribe their kids that they will give them sweets, candy or chocolate if they finish their meal. This can at some point encourage the kid to eat their food but also reinforces a pattern of unhealthy food. If you want to reward them, make sure it is nutritious and healthy.

Don’t let your child oversnack: Kids sometimes consume other snacks such as milk or juice and at the time of dinner or lunch, they already feel full. Avoid over-snacking and instead of giving them juices you can give them water. If you plan to give snacks to your kids make sure that they act as a supplement and do not sabotage their appetite. 

Set limits: Avoid any unnecessary snacks or eatables before dinner time. Make sure you have them try at least one new food before they reject it. 
Be a role model: Make sure you do not ask the kids to not eat those things which you eat such as fats, sugar, or oily items. If your child sees you eating healthy and nutritious food, they will be willing to try it too.

Keep mealtime fun: Do not talk about your child’s eating habits during mealtime, else it will become a stressful time. You can talk about your kids eating habits after mealtime or at bedtime.


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