Kids need to be able to indulge now and then in sweets, but a well-nourished child does not crave sweets. Try not to label a food good or bad . This can create guilt and shame around wanting unhealthy foods, causing cravings and food addictions. A better way may be to call foods such as broccoli or whole grains everyday foods and cake and cookies sometimes foods. If children are made to clean their plate or are bribed with desert, they may feel that healthy eating is a chore.
Some parents even serve a healthy desert with the meal so all foods have the same emotional appeal.
Eating should be fun and rewarding. It s our job to provide wholesome, nutritious foods and their job to decide how much they want to eat. Kids will eat as much as they need. They will not let themselves go hungry. Meals should be relaxing, fun and pleasant.