Food habits are among the most important things a child learns. For example, poor nutrition over a long period of time appears to be an important factor in causing or complicating such health problems as diabetes and heart disease. It may delay recovery from an acute illness with diarrhea or high fever, an injury, or surgery. Studies show that the kind of food parents and others provide for a child is the single most important influence on what a child learns to eat. This is a vital key to success.
Children watch others closely and are great imitators.
If you do not have good food habits, chances are your children won't either. Now is a good time to examine your own attitudes toward food and the kind of messages you are sending. Other adults and children with whom a child eats also are important influences. Calling attention to refusals reinforces the behavior. Your child will develop good food habits if you provide a nutritious and varied diet in a pleasant, relaxed setting.