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Parenting comes with its fair share of questions and concerns, especially when it comes to our children's well-being. Is my child eating enough? Is eating fruit at night healthy? Can my child have cookies?
At Little Lunches, we understand the complexities of parenting and the desire to provide the best for our children, including their nutrition. We also recognize that there's no one-size-fits-all answer to perfect eating. What's considered ideal in one family might differ from another due to factors like culture, food availability, and socioeconomic status. Just like life itself, eating is filled with twists and turns, not a rigid, linear path.
Embrace Balance, Not Obsession: Don't let food become an obsession. Remember, being a good parent involves numerous aspects beyond just what's on the dinner plate.
Make Healthy Eating Fun: Little Lunches can help you create meals that are not only nutritious but also enjoyable for your child. We emphasize nourishing, colorful foods while leaving room for occasional treats.
Encourage Mindful Eating: Force-feeding your child can lead to negative associations with food. We believe in promoting mindful eating, where your child listens to their own hunger cues. Little Lunches encourages you to respect your child's appetite and avoid overfeeding.
Create Meaningful Mealtimes: Mealtimes should be a time for bonding with family or friends. We recommend keeping distractions like TV or cellphones away from the table. Discipline and negative feelings should be addressed at other times, so your child associates mealtime with positivity.
Remember, the pressure to perfect eating may have negative consequences in the long run, as it may damage your child’s relationship with food. Little Lunches is here to support you in providing a safe, pleasurable, and nourishing experience around food, helping your child build a healthy and balanced lifestyle for years to come.
By Vivian Castillo, MS, RD, CNSC
2 years ago