Teenagers and eating habits
It is so frustrating when we have spent ages cooking a healthy meal and the kids turn their noses up at it. Even young children can use food as power and making an issue of what they eat can easily slip into a power struggle between parent and child. It doesn't have to be this way though. (honestly!)
Don't make it at issue
All we can do is encourage a
healthy diet. If we don't want children to eat something, then the best thing is not to buy it! Whilst they are younger we can make food fun by involving them in decisions and preparing foods, but by the time your child is 14 a smiley face salad is maybe not going to have the same appeal. Having said that, if your child knows they will go hungry if they don't eat then they are making their
own choice. Let your child be in charge of their own appetite and never offer food as a reward, try not to make pudding a reward of a clean plate.
Set an Example
Sounds obvious, but if they see you tucking into junk food every day, they will think see this as double standards and who can blame them for not wanting to eat healthily. To set an
example is the best way to ensure your child has a healthy attitude towards food. This also means no fad diets, if you eat healthily and encourage a positive body attitude, this will rub off. Try and sit down to eat at least one meal a day together. Use it as a social occasion, to catch up on each other's day. The food and recipe page should give you some good ideas of
healthy and
fast meals that can be used for any age.
Eating disorders
If you suspect your child is
anorexic or
bulimic you must seek help. Boys and girls are affected and confused health messages, a need to be in control and fashion are said to contribute to the blame. Your child may be very clever at concealing their size with baggy clothing, but watch out for
weight loss. Criticising your child about their size can make it worse and problems are more commen in faddy eaters, vegetarians, and those keen on sports.
