Parents’ example encourages interest in food
It’s important to teach children moderation when putting food on a plate. You never take too much food, but always have the opportunity to take more,» says Kolonen. A wise adult also teaches children to stop for a bite to eat and not to rush out to play.
If a child is fussy and has no natural interest in food, parents need to be imaginative and patient.
There’s no point in chirping, but a smiley face on a plate can inspire a child to eat.
It’s up to parents to make eating a positive thing,» says Kolonen. He does not recommend peeping and coaxing. Instead, think about how you put the food on the plate: is the pasta box a box or separate pasta and minced meat? For Ronkel, you can put a smiley face of vegetables on the plate. It’s a good idea to involve your child in the cooking and let them try out how the different ingredients feel.
«It’s human nature for adults to get frustrated if they’ve been in a hurry to cook and the children don’t touch it. It’s a good idea to avoid martyrdom and concentrate on cooking food that you like. Then the food you make in a hurry will taste good, at least in your own mouth,» says Kolonen.
