It seems as if every aspect of parenthood is difficult, but especially feeding the child. There is the matter of having everything prepared within time constraints, as you know the importance of having proper mealtimes, but the chores that occupy you don’t.
Then, there is a matter of getting your child to actually eat the food. From toddlers to tweens, grumbling about food is rather common. Even if your child is not particularly a picky eater, you can still expect complaints at the dinner time.
Moreover, there is also then the concern of whether your child is getting enough nutrition, as otherwise, their growth can be affected, meriting then the intervention of a Child Specialist in Lahore.
If the struggles of mealtime are getting to you, relax. We come armed with some useful tips that you can deploy to make this experience less excruciating for you, while offering your child a healthy meal as well.
Tips for mealtimes
Don’t have the bones of contention to begin with
You are the parent, and you get to decide what will be stocked up in the panty. If you do keep a stock of junk food and sweets, don’t be surprised when your children want it, or consume too much of these and then are not hungry at the dinner table.
So, try to make better grocery choices. When there are no unhealthy options to resort to, your children are less likely then to skip dinners.
Have a proper time
We all want a proper routine, and children are no exception. If you let them be for too long without food, they can then become cranky due to low sugar.
Moreover, they can also be busy otherwise with their activities, playing, watching television, and thus can disruption in their activity can make them then averse to having food, or at least becoming distracted.
However, when they know there is always going to be a fixed time for food, they will then plan their activities accordingly. Of course, toddlers don’t get it, but bodies like a routine.
Involve them
Children also want to feel as if their opinion matters. Involving them in the process then makes them think they have a semblance of control. However, always give them options. If you don’t, then there is no tethering their imagination, and they can get offended if you then don’t take them up for it.
For example, if you are asking their opinion on the menu, try to give them two or three options rather than leaving the question open ended.
Similarly, you can also involve tweens by asking them to help around the kitchen. They can do the safe activities like washing, peeling etc. This makes them feel like a grown-up. And since they contributed towards the table, they are then less likely to grumble about it.
Make a variety of textures and types
Even though it can be very convenient to limit yourself to the few basic recipes, but that’s not useful in the long term. If you limit your child’s experience of food, they are then most likely going to be aversive to exploring different foods and flavors. It can also contribute towards them becoming picky.
So, from the very beginning, make sure that your table includes different flavors, textures, and types of foods. It will help also make them more open to different options, making menu planning easier for the parents.
Be smart about vegetables
If you expect your child to just eat greens, you are wrong. Of course, they will not be always open to eating all the vegetables. So, make sure that you add them to your dinner table always, make a variety, and include a portion size instead of making it all about vegetables. This will make things easier for you, and ensure nutrition so you don’t have to make constant visits to Ali Medical Centre for frequently ailing child.