- Most children require exposure to food 10-15 times before they “like it”.
- The more frequently a child sees a food, the greater chance they will “like it”.
- Parents who eat many fruits and vegetables are more likely to have children who enjoy fruits and vegetables.
- Girls who have physically active parents are more likely to eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Children can tell when you are being truthful in your enjoyment of fruits and vegetables.
- Children who eat a family breakfast are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables.
- Praise your child when they eat fruits and vegetables but be sincere.
- Food portions change with age. Check out www.choosemyplate.gov.
- Providing tangible rewards when your child eats healthy foods does increase acceptance.
- Using dessert as a reward does not increase your child’s willingness to eat healthy foods. It actually decreases your child’s liking of the food you are trying to get them to eat.
- Peer modeling encourages healthy intake.
- Eating meals together as a family decreases the risk of obesity and increases fruit and vegetable intake as well as less soda pop consumption.
- The amount of food and calories a child eats is related to portion size.
- The size of the plate used when your child eats affects the amount of food eaten.
- Remove unhealthy foods from your child’s reach. Self-control is over rated.
- Keep healthy foods in full view.
- Remove reminders to eat from your child’s environment.
- Keep the TV out of the kitchen and bedroom.
- Make sure everyone in the family supports the pursuit of a healthy diet.
- Never pressure your child to eat or clean their plate.
- Never use food as a reward or as comfort to soothe your child.
- Be a model of healthy eating for your child.
CT Scans of Children Sleep Needs in Children and Adolescents
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