Child Health and Behaviour Back

Nourishing Children

Many parents are worried about the eating habits of their children. In the era of Internet,
most children are glued to computers and tablets which virtually adds up the worries
for their parents as the lack of physical activities not only make the children develop in to
a "couch potatoes” later but also the habit make the children skip regular eating habits.
As most TV watching invariably ends up in increasing the intake of cookies, cakes, chocolates and fried items besides canned drinks.
The present economic scenario and the overall changes in the life style prompt both parents
to take up jobs. Under such circumstancesin majority of the families, the children are
left alone and they follow what is close to their hearts, when it comes to food.
Indeed, it has become an over whelming problem. While, some parents over-think on
their children's eating habits there are a significant percentage of parents who simply let
their kids eat what they like. There are also another set of parents who just force the kids
to eat whatever that is placed on their plates, without caring for their tastes, likes and dislikes.
Proper eating in childhood will not only turn in to a healthy habit, besides can contribute
to the overall wellness of the children. So, it is quite natural for parents, especially young
parents, to worry about how to inculcate the healthy food habits in the minds of their children
and make them healthy. At a time, child obesity is turning in to an epidemic,
it is paramount to create awareness about healthy eating practice in the young minds. The children should be taught how
important it is to be stay healthy. The parents should make them understand how to balance
between eating healthy as well as eating for pleasure.
First and foremost, the parents should set themselves an example. Like all good things
begin at home, parents must change their food habits for the sake of their children.
Once they improve their health, they can easily pass on the benefits to their children.
Generally, children imbibe more qualities from their parents. Most young children are
most influenced by what they see and experience. So, it will be easier for the children
to adopt if the parents set themselves as an example. If the parents adapt to a change in
food habits, it will probably have the greatest effect on the children.
Every child develops a taste for a particular food. It is quite natural. Some prefer sweets
more. For some, the taste buds will crave more for salty items. Some kids develop a
taste for fruits, Some may prefer particular vegetables and other delicious flavours. So, it
is important to identify that taste and accordingly provide the children a balanced diet.
Also parents must keep a watch on some food items. Like, it is natural to develop a liking for
a particular taste, it is also quite natural for the children to get food allergies due to consumption
of a particular food item. On suchoccasions, the parents should not force the
children. 

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