A child's health depends on his or her ability to eat well. You can allow your kids maintain a healthy weight and regular growth by teaching them appropriate eating habits and modelling these behaviours in yourself. In addition, the eating habits your kids grow as children will help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as adults. Your kids health care provider can assess their weight and height, as well as explain their BMI, and let you know if they need to lose or gain weight, or if any dietary changes are required.

Here are some guidance for parents to develop healthy eating habits in their kids include:

Eat meals as a family

Mealtimes should have been a time for conversation and sharing, not scolding or arguing. If mealtimes are unpleasant, kids may try to eat more quickly in order to leave the table as soon as possible. They may then learn to recognize eating with stress.

Rather than attempting to dictate foods, guide your family choices

Make a variety of healthy foods available in the household. This action will educate your kids how to make healthy food choices. Leave the unhealthy options, such as chips, soda, and juice, at the store. Water should be served with meals.

Involve your children in food shopping and meal preparation

These activities will provide you with hints about your kid’s food preferences, an opportunity to teach your kids about nutrition, and a sense of accomplishment for your kids. Furthermore, kids who assist in the preparation of foods may be more willing to eat or try them.

Take note of the nutrition label and the ingredients

Read food labels and limit trans-fat containing foods. Also, make sure to serve the correct portion as specified on the label.

Make plan for snacks

Continuous snacking may lead to overeating, but snacks planned at specific times throughout the day can be part of a nutritious diet while not spoiling a kids appetite at meal times. You should make snacks as nutritious as possible while still allowing your kids to have chips or cookies on occasion, especially at parties or other social events.

Be supportive

Be supportive throughout any process or training course you implement to address your kids eating habits. Assist your kid in setting specific goals and tracking his or her progress. Praise and hugs should be used to acknowledge accomplishments. Maintain a positive attitude. Tell your child that he or she is loved, unique, and valuable.