Learn the worst food mistakes parents make
By Angelica Thornton KATU NewsPORTLAND, Ore. - You've probably heard or know of kids who eat nothing but buttered noodles, macaroni and cheese or peanut butter and jelly. Being picky is a part of growing up. But instead of giving in to their childish whims there are ways parents can keep kids healthy. Experts say parents need a food strategy. The New York Times recently compiled a list of food mistakes parents make. "Everything with parenting - you have to be persistent," she said. "They talked about introducing a new food that a kid might not like 15 times. In my experience it may take a hundred." That was the case with 11-year old Katie. She said her mom tried for years to get her to eat tomatoes, then one day the girl gave in and tried it. They are now her favorite. "After I started eating them, I got used to them," the girl said. Another mistake is serving boring vegetables. Plain steamed veggies can get dull - so don't be afraid to dress things up, even if that means compromising every once in a while. "Kids love dip," Gillingham said. "So carrot sticks in ranch dressing dip, apples in caramel dip … it makes food fun." In addition to what they eat, pay attention to when they eat. Kids like routines so be sure to set meal times. Another no-no – dieting in front of your children. "Parents can't expect children to eat healthy if they're not eating healthy," Gillingham said. Another bad habit is sending children out of the kitchen. Studies show that involving kids in meal preparation teaches them valuable lessons. "That just kind of gets them into that food is part of life, part of family life," the doctor said. Experts also warn not to give up too soon. Kids are generally suspicious of new things so keep trying. And, even if they pick out the peas, the exposure to healthy options is the important part. |
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