Many parents struggle when it comes to encouraging their children to eat healthily. You might find that often the only way to get your child to eat their dinner is to serve them pizza or chicken nuggets. Well if you don’t want to be serving your child junk food every day of the week then here are some tips on how you can get your child eat healthier food.
- Don’t force it
When introducing new foods don’t make a big deal. Don’t make any special remarks on the new food but simply show how much you enjoy eating it. So try starting off with foods that you really like eating yourself.
- Have the right food in the house
Empty the treats cupboard and make sure there are always plenty of yogurts, fruit and other healthy snacks in the fridge and cupboards. So if your child wants a snack they will have no choice but to eat something healthy.
- Snacks can be healthy
You might love having a snack with your tea in the afternoon, but they don’t have to be unhealthy. Instead of biscuits, try wholemeal scones, or crackers and some low fat cheese.
- Stay positive and persist
It can take up to 10 times before a child will adapt to a new food, so if you are struggling, stick with it and eventually they should learn to eat healthier. The more frequently you give a child foods, the more likely they are to eat them but also remember to compromise and negotiate. They can’t like everything you give them so as long as their overall eating habits are healthy, don’t worry.
- Take little steps
Making sudden drastic changes aren’t going to last so take it one step at a time. Maybe instead of serving battered fish, try fillet of fish. Or instead of giving your child chips, serve them homemade potato wedges. By taking little steps you will gradually improve your children’s meals.
