What if I told you that forcing your kids to eat is a bad idea? What if you could improve your family’s health by making a couple of simple changes?

Contrary to many parent’s beliefs and actions, children shouldn’t be forced or pressured to eat anything (including veggies.) What whaaat? Seriously, this study just adds to the body of research showing these results:

  • Children who had more control over food-related decisions were more likely to enjoy eating healthy foods
  • Urging a child to eat increases food neophobia (fear of new foods)
  • Offering new foods reduces food neophobia
  • Children with high neophobia scores tended to like fewer foods

Translation – You, the parent, should present an array of healthy foods to your child and let them decide how much of it to eat. Your child doesn’t need to be urged, coaxed, or tricked into eating more.

Want to feel confident knowing you have some simple, kind phrases up your sleeve to reduce your stress and frustrations at mealtimes? Get started below. Start minimizing mealtime meltdowns and stop fighting with your child so you can enjoy mealtimes again.


Thalia

Hi, I'm Thalia the Dietitian 👋 I help parents overcome picky eating challenges, conquer mealtime battles and raise happy & healthy eaters. My unique approach to parenting at mealtimes uses elements of the “division of responsibility”, but goes even further when it comes to restricting (or not restricting) foods like dessert. I help parents through my courses and 1-1 coaching program approach mealtime situations from a place of respect, curiosity, and understanding to achieve their desired results. It’s my belief that every child deserves a healthy relationship with food, and every parent can give this gift to their child. I have a Master’s Degree in clinical nutrition and dietetics and I'm mum to two little ladies (and a retired guide dog lab.)

2 Comments

Victoria · April 13, 2021 at 1:02 am

How can a 13 month old baby eat solid food when he only has 7 teeth?

    Thalia · May 4, 2021 at 9:53 am

    Hi Victoria, you may find it surprising, but many babies eat with no teeth. Teeth aren’t a requirement for eating solids.

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