How to Encourage Children to Eat Healthy

It̵7;s no secret to you that good nutrition is a prerequisite for healthy growth and development, but inspiring your child to eat healthy foods may leave you puzzled and frustrated. Roadblocks seem to appear at every turn for parents who work to encourage their child to eat healthy. If your child is a picky eater, coaxing her to eat may present a daily challenge. Many children exhibit an insatiable sweet tooth, and peer pressure and television commercials may make it more difficult for parents to counter these childhood impulses, according to Helpguide.org. Concerned parents can make choices that encourage their child to eat healthy.

Things You'll Need

  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Low-fat yogurt

Instructions

    • 1

      Introduce your child to the sources of some of her foods. For example, going to a local farmer̵7;s market provides an opportunity to meet some of the individuals who grow the fruits and veggies you implore your child to eat. Take the idea a step further by arranging a visit to a farm, suggests PBS.org. If your child loves blueberry pancakes, locate a grower who permits customers to pick the berries by the gallon. She is more likely to determine that the berries taste yummy in her pancakes, oatmeal and yogurt after a hands-on experience. Extend the hands-on experiences to home by planting vegetables in the backyard or in large pots. It̵7;s difficult for children to resist fresh vegetables that they water and patiently watch grow into something amazing.

    • 2

      Refuse to give up when your child rejects a new food. Serving the food several times increases the likelihood that your child will eventually accept it, notes KidsHealth.org. Make a habit of offering new foods and use a positive tone to ask your child to sample the food. Don̵7;t be surprised when she asks for more.

    • 3

      Demonstrate how to eat healthy by including fruits and vegetables in your diet and by limiting the frequency and amount of sweets in your daily diet. Provide and eat healthful portions of foods, recommends the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Choose healthy snacks, drink water and eat at the table rather than in front of a television.

    • 4

      Maintain a supply of healthy snacks that are visible and ready to consume. For example, keep a bowl of washed apples or grapes on the kitchen counter and place sliced apples, celery, carrots and low-fat yogurt in the refrigerator at your child̵7;s eye level.

    • 5

      Avoid using food as a behavior management tool. Don̵7;t punish your child by withholding a dessert or reward her with treats for appropriate behavior. (References 3 and 5)

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