Smart Parenting: Building Healthy Eating Habits For Your Toddlers

From managing their sleeping patterns to their unpredictable interests and attention, there is a lot to unpack in the subject of raising toddlers. And for parents growing ever more frantic with these new developments, the best course of action is to take it one step at a time. For now, let's start with their current eating habits.

For many parents, mealtimes with their toddlers could either be a priceless bonding moment or an unpleasant power struggle. And if the latter is the case with you and your young one, it might give you a sigh of relief to know that you're not alone.

As our little crawlers become picky eaters, our instinct is to worry about their diet and health. And regrettably, at times, this parental concern finds us in distressing clashes with our preschoolers. The more we offer them healthy food to eat, the more they refuse to finish their meals. However, one thing to keep in mind is that this finicky behavior is a normal developmental stage for toddlers. We only need to be more patient and aware of the steps we can do to ensure that they are guided towards a nutritious diet. Help them develop sound eating habits by nurturing their healthy relationship with food.

Give them a sense of control

We need to learn how to trust our kids and give them a sense of freedom during meals. We can control the types of food we layout on the table, but it's our kids' decision of how much they eat and in what manner they choose to do so. For starters, you can offer them small portions and let them decide if they'll want seconds. You may even cut solid foods into bite-sized pieces so they can easily eat on their own.

Urging them to eat more against their will might incite rebellious behavior on their end. Or worse yet, they'll dislike the food even more.

Get creative in serving food

Dealing with picky eaters may urge us to bribe them with their favorite snacks, but hold it off. Using sweets as a reward will reinforce the idea that sugary treats are better than nutritious servings. A better option would be to introduce them slowly to a new food by pairing it with an everyday meal that has grown to their liking. You may even help your kids refine their taste by letting them explore unique flavors and textures. See how they like it when you add different spices to make dishes tastier.

A sure way to a kid's heart, however, is a colorful and irresistible plate. Squeeze out your creative juices and arrange food into delicious works of art. Apple bunnies and dish servings shaped like their favorite cartoon characters are a gateway for new favorite meals.

Let them be your little helper

A proactive approach to managing your toddler's high-maintenance taste in food is by making them part of the preparation process. Ask them for meal ideas or tasty ingredients they want to include in the dish. You can even assign them a few minor tasks like rinsing vegetables and stirring the batter. Doing this sort of practice allows your child to appreciate and get to know food a bit better. And if they had a hand in deciding and preparing meals, they'll know what to expect for mealtime —in other words, making it easier for you to get them to try new dishes.

Blemil Kids 4 for their support

It will take some time before we can smoothly navigate around this phase in our kids' diet. That's why it becomes even more important to stay patient and attentive to our child's growing needs. Through wholesome eating practices and engaging physical activities, we can help them grow happy and strong. For an additional boost, we can also rely on Blemil Kids 4. Along with a balanced diet, Blemil Kids 4 can help your toddler receive extra support for their nutrition. Packed with Vitamin A, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids, Blemil Kids 4 can aid in their mental development. Simultaneously, the components of Vitamins D and C, iron, and calcium also bolster the growth of their healthy bones and physical well-being.

We can't help but worry about our child's wellness and development. But as we reach and turn more chapters in this parenthood journey, we'll learn to understand that it's just a matter of patience and trust that our kids will find their way through. Thankfully, Blemil Kids 4 can be our partner for restful nights ahead. — (TGM)

Ref No. 2020.10.15.THU-01