You begged and begged them. You screamed and screamed. Still, your kids still don't want to eat healthy foods? Try these tactics to make sure your children are happy and healthy.
Steps
Step 1. Apologize to your children for any negative behavior on your part that is not related to food
For example, if you've taken away privileges that have nothing to do with food in the past (computer time, for example), now is the time to tell them you're sorry and won't do it again. Food should only be related to food, unless you want to keep fighting with them.
Step 2. Review the food pyramid designed by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) with your children so they understand what a healthy diet consists of
Step 3. Establish a new rule, such as:
"If you don't finish dinner, you won't have dessert." Explain this rule to your children well before mealtime so they are prepared.
Step 4. Plan menus to include some of your children's favorite foods, to let them know you care what they think
For example, if you know your child's favorite dish is macaroni and cheese, ask him which vegetable he would like it to be accompanied with.
Step 5. Involve your children in preparing meals
Even if it's something as simple as getting cold water, it's amazing what the kids will be willing to eat if they feel like they've cooked it themselves.
Step 6. Refuse to fight with your kids at mealtimes by offering them an alternative vegetable, such as a chopped carrot with seasoning
However, if they choose the alternative, don't give them dessert. This gives you the double effect of making sure they eat healthily and that whatever they give up is something they have a real repulsion for.
Step 7. Thank your children for making dinner a wonderful time
Advice
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Some things, even very small ones, that children can do to help you cook:
- Fetch some food items for the meal, such as a piece of cheese from the refrigerator or large plastic bowls (if you store them on too high a shelf, give them a stand they can climb on).
- Mix a salad (if your kids are preschool, or even younger, be prepared to clean the lettuce that will be blown away).
- Mix. Depending on his age and maturity, the child can mix cold ingredients during the preparation, but also, kept under close supervision, those that are cooking on the fire.
- To pour. Don't make the first attempt by starting with liquid ingredients or things that can cause irreversible disaster; however, even young children love to sprinkle spaghetti with cheese, while older children appreciate the responsibility of handling hot ingredients (such as sauces) themselves.
- Cut hot dogs or other soft foods with a butter knife. This way you will have the opportunity to teach your children to handle knives safely, without risk to their little fingers.
- The first time you try to apply the dessert rule, you might make or buy a special one, something you wouldn't normally keep at home. This is a small incentive for your children to eat the dinner you have prepared.
- Understand that there will still be foods that your children will not eat at any cost. The important thing is to make sure their diet is healthy and balanced.
- Be realistic about the amount of food your children are able to eat. A good rule of thumb is to add one tablespoon of food for each year of age.
- Remember: unlike adults, many children don't like their food to have a very strong flavor. If needed, make lighter, child-friendly versions of the dishes you prepare. On occasions when you and your spouse really want to eat something spicy, you can open a can of canned food for your child.
- As for the toppings, if you are horrified by your kids spilling ketchup on their steak, give them something else for dinner, or look the other way.
Warnings
- What does close surveillance entail? Since the kitchen can be a very dangerous place for the little cook, make sure the children know all the rules before you get help from them, and keep an eye on them when they approach a burning stove or sharp knives..
- If you have been struggling with your kids for a long time about what and how much to eat at meals, be prepared for the fact that they will probably still try to argue with you. Don't give up and don't threaten them. Just remind them of the new rules and alternatives available. At first it might seem like it doesn't work, but if you ignore it, a tantrum will stop sooner.
