Do You Interfere with Your Child's Eating?

Start writing Research shows that most parents try to get their kids to eat more at meals using praise or rewards. Unfortunately, this feeding style can disrupt children's ability to regulate their food intake. And research shows young children are exceptionally good at getting the right amount of food for their body type. That is, if parents do their job and allow kids to do theirs. This is why I highly recommend Satter's Division of Responsibility in Feeding.This is a strategy where parents take charge of the "when," "where," and "what" of eating but allow children to decide the "whether" and "how much" of eating. This helps children preserve their food regulation skills, build trust around food and eating, and move along food acceptance at their own pace. Let's look at this at each stage: Infancy: The term "responsive feeding" is often used as the optimal way to feed infants. This means parents and caregivers are responsive to baby's hunger and fullness cues like stopping feeding when a baby batts at the spoon. But when they reach or cry out, showing they want more food, more is given to them. This responsive feeding style builds trust and connection making meals more enjoyable and supports optimal food regulation. See 6 of the Best and Easiest First Foods for Baby Toddlerhood: With a good structure in place, you can expect meal refusals or other times children can't get enough. As long as growth is on track, this is normal and to be expected. After you put the food down -- making sure there is at least one item your child accepts -- your job is done. This means there is no need to bribe children with dessert, demand more bites, or make an alternative meal. It keeps meals peaceful! See End Mealtime Battles with These 5 Simple Words School Age: Although appetites increase during this time -- and picky eating typically decreases -- growth is still relatively slow until puberty. Research shows as kids get older parents still try to get them to eat more, especially of healthy food. Instead of pressuring children to eat, help them see nutritious food in a positive light by involving them in food preparation, teaching them more about food, and building their current food preferences (like breading vegetables because they like breaded meats). See The Perils of Pressure When you resist the temptation to interfere with your child's eating, he or she learn to manage their hunger and meals are peaceful for all involved. It's not always easy, but it's definitely worth it! Maryann Jacobsen You received this email because you signed up on our website or made a purchase from us. Unsubscribe