How Did You Get Him To Eat That?!: 12 Parenting Practices That Lead to Healthy Eating

We, adults, have learned the capacity—whether we use it or not is another story—to think about the consequences of our actions, and make choices that trade short-term sacrifices for long-term outcomes. We might choose the carrot over the carrot cake, even though it isn’t as sweet because the carrot is the healthier option. Children, on the other hand, are in various stages of learning self-control and delay of gratification. Since human beings seem to be wired to like salty and sweet tastes, and to be prone to avoid bitter and sour tastes, children need guidance in their diet choices so that they can choose higher quality foods, in spite of their innate cravings. Particularly in the early years, you, as a parent, play an extremely important role in influencing your child’s attitudes toward food. You have an impact on your child’s food patterns. The way you talk about healthy foods, and the value you place on being open-minded toward new foods are related to how your child will think about healthy options, and how adventurous she will be to try new things.