Foods for children

It is accepted now that some junk food (cheese balls, aerated drinks, chocolate etc) may be permitted. Very strict rules on junk food increases craving. Nothing can stop your child trading her slice of apple for a toffee at break time, if she is determined.

Try to explain to the child that a good mix is essential. Chips or candy can be had in small portions supplementing a regular meal.

Meal times

Mealtimes should be regular.

Try to make meal times relaxed. They should not become power struggles.

Do not try to give your child bigger portions and insist on him completing it.

Allow the child to eat by himself. This may be slow, messy or incomplete. But he will get the hang of it soon enough.

Force feeding

Forcing a child to eat something he does not like, or a bigger portion than he desires is counterproductive, say nutritionists. It increases the reluctance to eat and decreases the child’s appetite.

Some mothers also feel that the child has not had enough at meal times and try to fill in with snacks or beverages in between. This often takes care of the calorific need of the child and he is even less inclined to have a meal.

(Source: Webhealthcentre.com)