Parents throughout the generations will have experience with fussy eaters and other food-related problems when it comes to their kids. Different tastes, textures and smells can be overwhelming when encountered for the first time, which is why certain foods must be introduced to children at the right time and in the right way. Becoming a healthy adult relies upon a child’s ability to enjoy a wide variety of food that is nutritious as well as tasty. These habits can be instilled from a young age. Here are a few useful tips to help you teach your children about food in a fun way.
Cook with Your Kids
One of the biggest contributors to childhood obesity is the availability of fast food. While these can be enjoyed in careful moderation, they pose a threat to children’s health if that is all they want to eat. The levels of sugar, salt and fat in fast food can lead to severe medical issues down the line, so instead of treating them to a drive-through meal at the end of the week, why not invite your kids to help come up with a fun recipe?
Walkthrough the supermarket with your kids and help them pick out ingredients for their meal then, when you get home, talk them through the process of preparing and cooking the food. This makes it much more engaging and enjoyable than simply waiting for dinner to be served and will teach them the fun techniques used in food preparation.
Try New Tastes
Make eating an exciting experience by introducing new flavours and ingredients to your kids. You can visit restaurants and encourage your children to try something new. If they don’t like it, at least they gave it a try. A good example would be to order a variety of items from Neds Noodle Bar and share different pieces with your kids, letting them experience something new. Create a light and positive atmosphere around food to make even the fussiest eaters feel more relaxed and able to experiment.
Grow Your Own
Children are inquisitive creatures and letting them loose in the garden or allotment is a great way to teach them about where their food comes from. Help them plant seeds and care for the food that grows right up until it’s time to harvest it and eat it. Kids are more likely to eat vegetables that they’ve grown and cooked themselves since they aren’t as foreign and frightening as something mysterious from the shop.
Eat Together
When children see others trying different foods, they are more likely to join in themselves. Family meals are not only important for sharing food and helping your kids eat well, but they also encourage conversation and good social skills for the future. Even if your kids are desperate to finish their dinner and return to their games, spending time around the table is incredibly valuable and your kids will thank you for the time spent together when they’re older.