Last Updated on September 30, 2024 by Michael Brockbank
Kids take a large portion of the mannerisms and behaviors from the parents. The way you approach certain things will be incorporated into the child as they grow. This will include how you eat. As I’ve raised quite a few children, I have quite a bit of experience in this field. If you want to curb how your children eat throughout the day, you need to make an effort to guide them.
Changing the Way Children View Food
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 17% of children in the United States are considered obese. That’s almost one in every five. Although many people point fingers at gaming consoles and television, a lot of these children are actually subjected to the habits of the parents. If you pig out on sweets and snacks, there is a very good chance they will as well.
Snacks
Snack time is one of the most anticipated times of the day for many children. Since we’re a bunch of fat-asses in my house, there is always some kind of sweets laying around. However, we’ve been changing the way we eat – which has affected how my girls eat. Instead of loading the house with sugars and fats, we’re leaning more towards fruits. To my surprise, my girls would rather eat pineapple, grapes and bananas over cakes and brownies. Personally, I have a thing for pineapples.
Meal Time
One thing we’ve been getting into the habit of in the house is proper portion sizes. A large portion of those in the United States are extremely overfed. Whether your going out to eat or preparing a meal for the household, most adults don’t realize just how much they’re actually eating in a single sitting. This isn’t entirely your fault, however. Advertisements, restaurants and manufacturers have made people think that a plate covered in food is healthy dining. If you want your kids to eat less, you need to restrict everyone in the house to real portion sizes – including yourself.
The Children Look Up to You
The parent is the child’s primary method of learning how the world actually works outside of the classroom. They are impressionable and sponge-like, assuming most of your habits. Your decisions for picking certain foods can be greatly influential as they grow older.
If It’s Good Enough For You…
Have you ever heard the saying, “What’s good for the goose is good for the gander?” This saying is more true than what many people realize. Children will assume that the things you do are things they need to learn. If you shovel in the potatoes during dinner, they will want to follow suit.
Getting More Activity as a Family
Physical activity is another thing that children will incorporate from you. It’s more difficult to get a child to understand the importance of exercise if you don’t do so yourself. Relying on arguments such as, “because I’m the parent” only works to confuse the child. They view it as unfair and could begin harboring resentment depending on the situation.
I believe that all parents should lead by example. You need to be willing to take a stronger stance in healthier practices if you want them to remain fit. Make it a family effort to get away from the technology and spend an hour or two outside. Choose healthier dishes at meal times. Rely less on sugar products for snacks. Demonstrate to your children how a healthy adult is supposed to behave in the world.
About Author
Comments are closed.