10 tricks for your child to eat well

When sitting down at the table, always keep one thing in mind: if the child is hungry, he will eat! It is important that you respect your child’s wishes and never force him to eat what you don’t want.

Pediatrician Fábio Ancora Lopez says that it is important to prevent him from getting distracted during meals, so don’t leave the TV on and avoid games like “look at the little plane” with the spoon.

Parents’ biggest questions about infant feeding

1. Can my child get dirty while eating?

Yup. When it’s time to eat, leave the kids at ease and think that dirt is part of learning. He has to get himself dirty! When contact with food is pleasurable from an early age, the child tends to try new foods more easily. And don’t worry about good table manners at this stage, the child will learn naturally later, no need to force it.

2. Can I offer gifts in exchange for spoonfuls?

Not. This can turn into a form of blackmail. Imagine if, every time he eats, he demands a gift in return?

3. Should children eat before the rest of the family?

Not. It is very important that the child eats with the adults. When little ones are eating with their parents, they try to imitate their elders. Thus, they learn what can and cannot be done during meals. And if they’ve already eaten, you’ll have to play with them and you won’t be able to eat in peace.

4. My son doesn’t eat vegetables. What do I do?

Children accept or reject things according to the moment. When she refuses the food, ignore it and offer it again later. Another secret is to vary the preparation. Example: serve the carrot raw, cooked, grated…

5. Should I prepare different food than adults for my child?

It’s no use forcing your son to eat a vegetable while your husband eats a piece of pizza. Try to offer the same foods for adults and children at meals. Thus, you set a healthy example for your child to follow.

6. Do I let my child eat in front of the TV?

No way. Instead of leaving him alone in the living room watching TV, why not take him to the kitchen to help you out? Let him participate in meal preparation. At lunchtime, for example, make a salad with him, let him mix the ingredients and serve the dishes. This will help you eat better and feel included in the process.

7. My child only likes one type of vegetable. Can I let him eat just that one?

Each food has certain types of vitamins and nutrients. You need to ask the pediatrician which ones should be combined when making the menu. Don’t let him eat carrots every day, for example. So he will no longer gain the benefits of other types of vegetables.

8. To what extent can I force my child to eat?

Never force a child to eat. If she rejects the food, it’s usually because she’s already full. Keep calm and ignore. But if you notice that your child is eating very little, take him to the pediatrician. Only he can say if the child has a health problem that inhibits appetite.

9. What do I do if he just wants to eat unhealthy foods?

It’s no use leaving that cookie jar on a high shelf if it’s within reach of the child’s eyes. Everything forbidden only increases curiosity, anxiety and desire. It’s not just the flavor that draws attention, but also quenching that little urge to break the rules…

10. I don’t like my child going into the kitchen. Am I wrong?

It is common for most mothers to leave their children away from the kitchen, which is understandable, after all, it is one of the most dangerous places in the house. But it’s better that they learn from you the dangers they can find elsewhere, so they know how to act. Plus, they become familiar with the environment, they can help you prepare meals, so instead of being so much work, they can end up cleaning your plate!