6 Common Mistakes Parents Make about Food

The power of sharing food and social time does not stop with infancy. If food represents love and comfort to an infant, then eating together as a family continues that feeling of affection and safety as the family grows. Family dinners provide lifelong social benefits, not the least of which is table manners. Mealtime should be a pleasant experience full of good nutrition and bonding. However, reality is that with toddlers, mealtimes can often be full of anxiety and power struggles. Let’s look at some common mistakes parents make and discuss practical solutions.

1.      Not recognizing that children’s appetites vary from day to day and meal to meal.

Solution: Serve three meals and two small, nutritious snacks at regular times every day.

2.      Giving too much attention to food jags.

Solution: Honor the food jag and let it run its course. Consistently offer new foods in a fun manner.

3.      Insisting that children “clean their plates”

Solution: Serve appropriate portions so the child does not feel overwhelmed with the amount of food on the plate. Let the child know that there will be no more food until the next meal, so he/she needs to eat until she is full.

4.      Rewarding children with desserts or treats

Solution: Never make food a reward. If you want to have a reward system, consider using stickers, treasure boxes, or craft supplies.

5.      Brining up unresolved issues at the table

Solution: Encourage a pleasant balance of interesting conversation and bonding. Keep mealtimes a positive experience in a happy and relaxed environment.

6.      Bargaining, bribing, forcing, or controlling which makes the table a battle ground and food is the ammunition.

Solution: Sit with your child and eat the same foods. Model table manners, rather than demanding them. If the dining experience is positive, power struggles will be less likely.