Eating with children is indeed a challenging task in the parenting process.
Research shows that “parent-child meals” benefit the physical and mental development of children. Not only can it help correct picky eating behaviors, but it can also effectively reduce children’s feelings of depression and anxiety. Problems such as “emotional outbursts” or “rapid weight gain” are likely to occur if parents let children eat alone. So, how can we help children develop good eating habits? Here are 4 key points to share:
Eating should be a joyful experience
The earlier you establish the concept that “eating is a joyful experience” for your child, the more helpful it will be for their development. Therefore, do not scold the child during meal times or use meal times to lecture them.
But what if the child really gets out of control during meals? In fact, correcting the child’s mistakes doesn’t necessarily require shouting. You can use a gentle but firm tone to tell the child, “This is not okay.”
If the child plays with their food, it might be because younger children are in the “exploration phase.” At this time, simply redirect their attention with other utensils or food. Remember, do not scold the child loudly.
Minimize external distractions
Avoid letting children play with phones or use any electronic devices while eating. Minimize loud music or TV noise and ensure the child focuses on the food in front of them. Parents should also set an example by putting down their phones and enjoy the parent-child mealtime.
Stick to the rules
Set mealtime rules and follow through consistently.
If the child doesn’t eat properly or doesn’t finish within the designated time, parents should gently but firmly remove the food and not allow the child to eat again until the next mealtime. During this period, avoid shouting or physically disciplining the child. Over time, the child will realize their mistake.
By the way, this educational approach can also help develop the child’s self-awareness!
Observe carefully
If the above methods don’t work and the child is still emotional and unwilling to eat properly, adults should observe carefully to understand the underlying reason. It could be related to the child’s health, such as digestive problems. In such cases, it’s important to consult a professional doctor to assess the child’s situation.
By following these 4 key points and exercising more patience, you can help your child develop good eating habits!
Wishing all parents a happy and joyful “parent-child meal” time!
– Dr. Wong Si Yan
