When Your Child Chooses to Eat What You Preach, Celebrate!

In the quest to raise successful children, we dive into helicoptering, hummingbirding, Tiger Momming and so on. We debate endlessly about AI and the skills our kids need to learn to compete in the workforce (Python! AI Ethics! Data Analytics! Emotional Intelligence and Interpersonal Skills! Plumbing!) We squeeze them into language classes, competitive sports and volunteering gigs to build character, build resumes and create perspective.  We are obsessed with the perils of videogames and the concept of addiction.

All this is amazing and a hallmark of devoted parenting.  Yet, how many of us carefully educate our kids on how to choose food and drink with as much gusto?

In reality, we should be focusing equally on what our children eat and how they make their choices as these will manifest in how they think, feel, and self-regulate their emotions in the future.  The right choices will anchor stronger foundations of long-term happiness and confidence than any number of certificates and records smashed in youth.  Admittedly, us adults may still be in see-saw mode when it comes to balancing pleasure and health.  The good news is that both can co-exist to drive awareness and maturity in children that will translate in other life aspects that require awareness and resilience.  

So, one of the most important life skills that a child must master – ideally by 12 – is the basic ability to distinguish nutrition from junk.  Just as they learn how to cross the street, ride the subway, or handle stranger danger – the teachings must come from us and be practiced regularly.

This great article by KidsHealth succinctly captures many important guidelines to help parents roll out.  We share our views on the top 5 below, but be aware that it may challenge some deeply ingrained beliefs and require adjustments to your own habits.

1.        You control the supply lines.  The contents of your pantry and fridge are the outcome of your decisions.  If sugary drinks are easily available, don’t expect kids to be able to easily resist temptation.  If ultra-processed crisps and biscuits are visible at every turn, they will see this as their default snacking trove.  Expect them to pester you at the store to stock up on junk food (it is quite natural to beam at the sight of Pringles, Haagen Dasz, Dubai Chocolate) and be prepared both before and during the pestering to handle it. 

2.        No need for a clean-plate.  This may be jarring to those who grew up being told repeatedly that they had to finish everything on their plate.  While a certain amount of coaxing may be good for them to develop the acquired taste of brussels sprouts, if they are done with rice or pasta, let them be done.  (Don’t get me wrong, this does not mean they should be patching hunger with brownies)

3.        Start them young.  It is never too early to teach them how to read food labels and they key things to watch out for (e.g. calories per 100g, and the meaning of ingredient order).

4.        Drink calories and sugar have a huge impact.  Juice should be drank sparingly.  Sugar content is extremely high and ads make you believe that you’re consuming a glassful of Vitamin C and sunshine.  Eat the orange instead.

5.        Food is not love.  This may be one of the hardest to come to terms with. Celebrations for the young and old often revolve around cakes, artistic desserts, and instant hits of pleasure.   Rewards also come in the form of cookies, large meals, fancy sundaes and so on.  Switch this up with more experiential pleasures like a day at the beach, cinema, or simply smaller portions of the treat.  When you bring them to the ice cream and waffle store, chances are, you’ll end up indulging yourself too.  If you have several kids, you might end up idoing at Crumbl or Gong Cha – defeating your own weight goals too!

When children are frequently exposed to good choices, they learn quickly and will even surprise you by asking for more protein, taking smaller portions of dessert or forgoing completely, and opting for water instead of soda.  Reward them occasionally to reinforce these behaviours.  Perfection is not the goal – because they WILL insist on some pretty strange things that make you think all hope is lost (giant box of Froot Loops, anyone?). 

Give yourself credit when you see your child’s micro accomplishments in the kitchen and restaurants.  Some of the most heartwarming are:

1.        They know how to prepare a balanced breakfast (often involving eggs, and no Frosties!)

2.        They ask you to scan food labels (or do it themselves) at the grocery store to check Yuka

3.        They can calculate calories from food labels

4.        They carefully curate their buffet plates with nutrition

5.        They turn down cake when feeling stuffed

Teach them well and let them lead the way!