Feeding Kids is Not Always Easy!

Sometimes it’s actually downright hard to keep your kids eating healthy. They have minds of their own... each with individual preferences, tastes and opinions. And they can be stubborn. Very stubborn.

Last night I made chicken tacos for the family. We had corn tortillas, shredded chicken breast, tomatoes, cheese, rice, black beans and yellow peppers. Plus I made some softer veggies for Max since the raw ones are too hard for him.

This is what he thought of it.

It’s very frustrating because I’m really ready to stop nursing and transition him to whole milk. I’d like him to be eating more solid foods to ensure he’s getting a balanced diet. But last night he had plans of his own. It was so tempting to just keep giving him shredded cheese so he'd be quiet during dinner. But we didn’t…we just sat and listened to him whine and whine and whine.  Ugh.

It’s tough no doubt, but starting good habits early is essential. Here are a few tips to keep your kids eating well:

• Have them eat what you eat… and you need to set a good example! I’ve mentioned this before, but my kids eat what we do. Period. If they don’t eat they don’t get anything else. Don’t worry, they will make up for it with other meals.
• Be consistent with meals. Have snacks and meals at about the same time every day. Kids like to know what to expect and thrive on structure.
• Be mindful of snacks and milk between meals. Snacks are OK, but they should be just that- a snack. Too much food or drink between meals will keep kids from eating at mealtime. The majority of calories should come from the family meals, not from snacks.
• Food is for hunger, not boredom. Don’t use food as a way of keeping kids quiet. I see it all of the time in church, the store, the car etc… This teaches children that mindless eating is ok and that food is an acceptable cure for boredom. A habit like this can get particularly destructive into adolescence.
• Let them try sweets. I’ve seen parents that never let their kids have any sweets when they are young and once they are over at a friend’s house… they can’t stop with the cookies! Sweets are good every now and then. It teaches kids to appreciate food (we bake with Annie) and understand that sweets are a “sometimes food, not an always food.”

Feeding kids is certainly not easy, but remember food is fun! Teach kids about cooking, baking and the joy of eating. It all helps create a healthy relationship with food for a lifetime!