Parents Taking Charge in Education
Presents
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| Photo: P. Barron |
Getting Kids to Eat More Fruits & Vegetables
Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Author
When it comes to getting kids to change poor eating habits or simply improve, you may want to consider the following:
·
Pick your
battles- the more adamant you are, often the more determined the child is
to obtain that which is prohibited.
·
Compromise-
such can be a positive and winning experience for both you and your child. It can afford you the opportunity to assist
you child with making wise choices, improving social skills and becoming a more
independent thinker.
·
Make
changes to your child’s diet by substituting your choices with theirs gradually;
besides, there are more nutritional choices than ever to select from.
Why gradual changes? There is an aspect of which you may not
have given much or any thought to - it is “Food Addictions.” Food Additions are
similar to other addictions- certain substances or foods denied after having
become a habit over a period of time can induce symptoms of withdrawal,
cravings, mood swings, irritability, etc.
Avoid a body system crash which may affect various body
functions and/or the ability to function by considering making gradual changes
to the diet as oppose to sudden and massive changes.
Photo: P. Barron
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Here is a
simple exercise for compromising with your child:
Your snack selections v. your child/ren’s
·
The child presents a list of his favorite snacks
and you present yours. Determine the number of days your child’s selection of snacks will be available and
your selection (3 v. 4 days)
·
Purchase and make available only enough snacks
of your child’s choices for the limited number of day and your selected
choices.
·
Stock the refrigerator or cabinet with just
enough of each for the week. The child has the choice to select interchangeably
from the combined snacks or select only from his/her selected snack, but should your child eat all of his/her selected
snacks on successive days, do not refill. Allow your selection of snacks to be
the only available ones.
Often when choices are limited or there are none, most of us
are more likely and willing to try that which is available simply because it is
convenient and accessible.
If it takes time for your child to adjust to eating more
fruits and vegetables, be patient.
Remember, moderation is the key
You can be a winner while keeping them healthy and well!
This post is not intended as, nor does it serve as
medical advice; seek advice from your physician.
Photos by Mr. Patrick Barron
This Parenting tip for your
consideration has been brought to you by
Parents Taking Charge in Education
(PTCnEd)
Mrs. Dorothy
Barron, Founder
Parents Taking
Charge in Education http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com
E-mail:
barron.dorothy@yahoo.com
