Process expanding the toddler's diet can often be stressful for parents. A plethora of information ... from when? From what? Not enough? Where does it fit in? How about I turn on a story, entertain, puzzle? What am I doing wrong that my the child only crushes and throws food, and the sole beneficiary of all these activities is the dog 😊 According to the the golden rule of responsibility in feeding (The division of responsibility in feeding Ellyn Satter) "The parent decides WHAT, WHEN and WHERE will give the child to eat. The child decides WHAT will eat a meal at all".
Eating habits have their origins as early as the stage of dietary expansion.
What relationship with food Creating a child depends on many factors, but at the top of this pyramid is undoubtedly the social, emotional aspect - the atmosphere at the table, responsiveness (responding to the child's signals), the emotions that accompany the parents and the child. Anxiety and fear, as well as strong control during mealtimes, will certainly not have a positive effect on building a healthy relationship with food.
Researchers have rather perversely succeeded in demonstrating that children who could make their own food choices without parental pressure and control were more likely to reach for fruit and vegetables, and were less likely to struggle with obesity later in life.
('Medical Standards. Paediatrics 2014', A. Harton 'Fruit and vegetable preferences and children's eating behaviour...'). Distracting the child from eating (as well as exclusively spoon-feeding without being able to touch, smell, lick or look at the food), while being exposed to toys or fairy tales - can result in overeating and eating more food than a healthy body actually needs.
Parent, remember the golden rule!
On your side is selection of products, preparation of the meal and appropriate presentation (No one - let alone your child - requires an elaborate Michelin-starred meal, prepared over long hours. Remember that it may ultimately end up on the floor, not in your baby's belly. It's a waste of time and nerves. A cooked broccoli floret for a toddler can be just as fascinating.
When and where?
Yes, it's up to you to decide whether the kitchen is serving food at that moment or whether now is the time for a snack. Remember digestion is a huge effort for a small stomach. Manage your time consciously to eat, play and conquer more peaks 🙂 .
Ensure a good atmosphere at the table. Think about what dimension, beyond nutrition, does food have for you? Do you prefer shared dinners with those closest to you or a solitary, quick-cut sandwich. Your child will certainly also want to take on these positive emotions associated with food. Two anxious parents facing a child thrown into a chair, praying for even one more bite... doesn't look encouraging, hm?
How much and if at all?
This is your the child should decide from the beginning whether this drop of milk at this moment is the last one. And will I eat this potato or crumple it up and throw it away....
Trust your child! Even if you know it will be irritable, sleep shorter, get hungry in 30 minutes.... let him experience it! Man is born with the ability recognising one's own needs. Sure, it will take him a while, but it's like learning to tie your shoelaces ... you have to ntrial and error. The hunger and satiety centre in your child's brain will thank you for it one day.
