On children eating good food..

How do we get our kids to eat vegetables and foods that we believe are good for them? Let's take a quick look at six challenges we often create and how to change them.

Yesterday, I received the newsletter from the local organic superstore I buy from. The front cover held this article on children's food and eating habits. As I agree with most of the article I thought I'd share it with my readers so you can take from it what you will.

1. Don't send kids out of the kitchen - yes, there are dangers like boiling water, sharp knives and hot stoves. You are their parent, maintain a safe kitchen by using the back burners on your stove, put knives in the centre of a bench where kids can't reach them and then teach, teach, teach, teach! Don't leave them alone and always watch when they are doing something a little out of their depth. Also, assess the risk so that if something does go wrong, you have limited damage. Lastly, trust that your child can do what you responsibly teach them - good energy creates confidence in children.

2. Don't pressure kids to eat something - this one is hard to swallow! We all hear stories about kids sitting at a table for seemingly hours and hours because they would not eat carrots, beans or peas. Put all of the food on a platter in the middle of the table and get the kids to serve themselves. If your kids are older, this may take more time but for young kids, they will take colourful, textured foods and that is the mix you want them to take. Make sure there is a good selection of foods you want them to eat and then don't nag or question. If they want to take just the grated carrots, finely sliced snow peas with cheese blocks then that is just great. Another tip here is put yummy sauces, dressings or mayo into little bowls on their plate so they can dip - kids love dipping things.

3. Don't reward kids with food! No bikkies when we hurt ourselves, we need fixing and a hug. No ice cream when we miss our pet, we need understanding and love - no chocolate when we are being a good girl, we need appraisal. Food is not a reward, it is a need.

4. Don't keep sweet treats out of reach. Have a kid's shelf and let them know it is their food but there are rules. They need to eat their dinner before they have something sweet or can choose one thing each day, you choose the rules with them and make sure they are adhered to. Never bend the rules otherwise children get confused and make sure both Mum and Dad/grandparents/caregivers agree to the rules. Make sure the sweet treats are still good though, homemade cookies, organic dark chocolate and yes, kids can like dark chocolate.

5. Don't give up - sometimes it is just easier to throw your hands in the air and walk out of the kitchen. Don't! These are your children and their attitude will make you proud as they grow. Teach them well and be there for them.

6. And most of all....LOVE FOOD. Your children will see and feel the passion you have as it is totally infectious. Use it to your advantage.