This publication will explore the ways in which parents influence children's eating habits and suggest some specific techniques parents can use to guide children as they learn about nutrition. A social event Food involves much more than nutrition, especially for a young child. The world of an infant centers around eating. Hunger brings about the first feelings of discomfort, while being fed represents the first true feelings of satisfaction.
Children practice using their fingers and coordinating their hands and eyes by feeding themselves.
This social quality of eating continues throughout life. Even in adulthood, some of our most pleasant experiences involve eating in the company of other people. This social quality of nutrition affects the teaching of eating habits to children in several ways. First, since parents are important social figures in the lives of children, they have the power to influence children's eating habits in many ways. Being aware of that power is very helpful in the teaching process.