By Maryann Jacobsen, Huffington Post
As parents, we all say things to encourage our kids to eat healthier. Yet, in our modern, food-centric environment, even well-intentioned comments can be translated into negatives that hinder eating.
What to never say to a child about food?
So, here are 10 common “food statements” parents often say to kids, how kids are likely to translate them and more effective things to say and do.
1. “See, your (sister, brother, cousin, friend) is eating it, why don’t you?”
Translation: “He/she is a better eater than me.”
A better thing to say: “I know you’ll get there, sweetie. It takes time — and many tastes — to learn to like a new food.”
Rationale: Instead of feelings of inferiority, you want to instill confidence that the child can and will like the food in their own time.
2. “You used to like blueberries — you are so picky!”
Translation: “Maybe I won’t grow out of this picky-eating thing?”
A better thing to do: Don’t call attention to picky eating. Instead, make eating an enjoyable experience.
Rationale: Avoid labeling children as “picky” as this is a normal stage of development and the label tends to stick.
3. “For the last time, no, you cannot have ice cream!”
Translation: “I’m never getting ice cream again!”
A better thing to say: “We are not having ice cream now because lunch is a half hour away. We’ll have some one day this week for dessert.”
Rationale: Children accept “no” much better when they know why they can’t have something and when they will have it again.
4. “You didn’t eat enough. Take a few more bites and then you can leave the table.”
Translation: “Mom/dad/empty plate (external signals) are a better judge of when I’m done eating than what I’m feeling inside.”
A better thing to say: “Make sure you got enough to eat because the next meal won’t be until (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack time).”
Rationale: When children are in charge of how much to eat, they learn how to effectively manage hunger (hint: sometimes, mistakes have to be made).
5. “If you eat some of your veggies, you can have dessert.”
Translation: “I can’t wait until the day I don’t have to eat my veggies — and can go straight to dessert!”
A better thing to do: Instead of nagging and food rewarding, offer tasty vegetables often and model healthy eating.
Rationale: Research shows that children learn to prefer the reward food over the “have to eat” food.
Read the full article by Maryann Jacobsen from Huffington Post.
