Healthy eating habits: It's not just about food

  • Published
  • By Sheri Ward
  • 82nd Medical Operations Squadron Family Advocacy
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Healthy eating habits are important throughout life and they are especially important during childhood.

Children who are learning and growing at a rapid rate use a lot of energy. Their bodies need healthy foods to provide this energy.

Many parents have concerns about getting children to eat nutritious foods. These concerns can cause stress at mealtime for the whole family.

According to the National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse, the following suggestions can help your children develop and maintain good eating habits.

· Try to make mealtime pleasant and calm so the family can enjoy each other's company. Children eat better in a relaxed atmosphere, so keep discussions neutral and choose another time to resolve problems.

· Take time to examine your eating habits. Children learn from example and you are the best teacher.

· Don't use food as a reward or punishment.

· Expose your children to a variety of foods, and experiment with different vegetables. If they prefer squash over carrots, serve squash more often.

· Keep it simple. As the teacher, provide healthy foods; the children's job is to eat what they need. Don't let mealtime become a battleground.

· Children generally eat what they need. If they refuse to eat a meal, it's not the end of the world. In fact, they will probably eat more than usual at the next meal.

· When children are about a year old, they begin searching for independence. They may want to feed themselves and not be willing to eat if someone else feeds them. Learning this skill gives a child the sense of accomplishment and builds self-confidence. It's their first step toward taking care of themselves.

· During the toddler years, children want to make use of their newfound ability to control their actions. This may result in refusal of certain foods. Keep a casual attitude, and your children will get through this stage more quickly.

· Your children usually know how much to eat at a meal, as long as they're not distracted. Don't judge their capacity by yours. Since they aren't always able to eat enough to wait until the next meal, have nutritious snacks available.

· Don't become frustrated at mealtime. A child's undesirable eating behaviors are usually short lived.

· If your children are growing well and are healthy, they probably are getting enough of the right kinds of food.

For other parenting tips or classes, contact Family Advocacy at 676-2271.