The first three years of life are a time of amazing growth and development. In just a few short years, children go from being entirely dependent on having all their needs met, to exploring and learning about the world around them. Parenting style, parent's food preferences, and the types of food offered affect whether a child learns to enjoy a wide variety of foods.
Parenting styles are commonly identified as authoritarian, permissive or authoritative. Parents whose style is authoritarian tend to restrict foods that are "bad", such as sweets, and force children to eat "good" foods, such as vegetables. Parents with a permissive style respond to their child's wishes by letting them eat whatever and when ever they want. Both of these styles are associated with a lower intake of nutrient rich foods such as milk, vegetables and fruit. On the other hand, parents with an authoritative style choose the food to be served and let their child decide which foods are eaten and how much they eat. This style is associated with a higher intake of vegetables and fruit, and lower intake of foods high in fat and sugar.
Children's food preferences are strongly influenced by their parent's food choices. If a parent does not like a particular food, the child will probably not like it either. Children model the behaviour they see. They are more likely to eat foods that they see others eating and enjoying.
Children are often very cautious to try new foods. They tend to like those foods that are served most often. They may need to be offered the food many times before they will try to eat it. Don't assume a child will never like a food just because they refused it. The more times they are exposed to a food the more likely they are to begin eating it. Parents who offer their child only those foods that the child will eat, often describe their child as a "picky eater". Serve children a variety of foods so they have opportunity to become familiar with many different tastes and textures.
Parents can help balance their child's need for independence with their need for nutritious food choices.
Serve small amounts of food or let children serve themselves. Children who are served large portions often keep eating even when they are no longer hungry. Introduce new foods along with a familiar one. Serve milk with meals. Limit the amount of sweetened beverages available during the day. Be a good role model for eating a healthy diet.
Family meals provide a wonderful opportunity for young children to learn about food. Offer small portions of quality food choices in a calm manner and then relax; your child will do the rest.
Written by Public Health Nutritionists in Saskatchewan and supported by Public Health, Sunrise Health Region.
If you have any comments or questions please contact: Heather Torrie, Public Health Nutritionist, Sunrise Health Region, 150 Independent Street, Yorkton, Sask. S3N 0S7 or phone: 786-0600.
