It's an interesting subject of how every single unique family runs its eating behavior and culture. Teaching children the way to eat, the value of food or the choice of food can be one big task for any parents to master!
Just came across an article called "Eat, drink, children, parents" by Dr. Goh Chee Leong, which states that "Although 25% of children between the ages of three to eight usually experience picky eating behaviour, they mostly stop at the age of seven to nine."
The article suggests that creating a healthy eating culture at home is the best way to stop picky eating behaviors. Few tips are also offered on how to nurture the good eating culture.
First, you may want to consider on how to create a friendly meal time environment. Make your child realize meal times is a time for family to share interesting topics, thus distracting your child on food items that you want to taste and eat, such as vegetables.
Second, you may want to "hire" your child as your second hand - "little chef". Getting your child involved in preparing food will help make them realize the value of food. This also provides your child with "a sense of pride and ownership".
Third, (we probably all know about it but sometimes not practicing it) set yourself the role model for your child. Eat a variety of food to show your child that you are willing to "appreciate new foods" and avoid "make negative comments on food and do not want to eat the food served when the child is present."
Last but never the least, teach your child the value of food. We get spoiled every now and then with the amount and variety of food offered to us. However, we seldom realize how some child in certain places are struggling to find food items. Letting your child to learn about the privilege they have will help make them realize the good value of eating healthy food!
The suggestions may sound simple but they are obviously true to help establish a good eating culture when parenting your child!
Reference:
http://thestar.com.my/health/story.asp?file=/2008/10/26/health/2335290&sec=health
