Parents Provide, Kids Decide Is your child a fussy eater? Experts suggest parents should take steps very early in a child’s development to make sure they adopt healthy eating habits. “As early as 12 months old, parents should consider a division of responsibilities when it comes to feeding your child, “says Dr. Matthew Smiley, medical director of the Healthy Active Living Program at Advocate Children’s Hospital. “Some of those responsibilities belong to you, while others to your child.” Dr. Smiley says parents have responsibility for these three things:
When it comes to eating, your child is responsible for:
“Letting your child makes food choices at an early age is important,” says Dr. Smiley. “If parents take care of their responsibilities, the child will be better prepared to make positive choices and develop a good relationship with food. “Simply put: Parents provide, kids decide.” Dr. Smiley says doing so will also increase the chances your child will make healthier food choices over their entire lifetime. They will also be less likely to struggle with weight issues. “When a child doesn’t want to eat, parents get fearful,” says Dr. Smiley. “That’s when they start acting like short-order cooks, trying to meet the child’s demands. If your child doesn’t eat at breakfast, don’t worry. There is another meal coming along soon.” Dr. Smiley adds, “I know that parents associate feeding a child with loving them. But a mom or dad should know that one of the greatest gifts you can give a child is a healthy future. That comes from developing healthy eating habits very early in life.” Want to learn more about nutrition for children? Dr. Smiley hosts a special session for parents at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Park Ridge on January 25th. For more information, go to https://healthadvisor.advocatehealth.com/classes and enter code AGP004A2. |
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