LINDSAY ARCHIBALD-DURHAM, A PAEDIATRIC DIETICIAN FROM JOHANNESBURG
MOM TO ARCHIE (THREE YEARS) AND NEVA (ONE)
WHAT DO YOU GIVE YOUR KIDS TO SNACK ON DURING THE DAY? I usually pack a bunch of grapes or dried fruit flakes, a block of cheese and some homemade popcorn in Archie’s lunchbox for nursery school. In the afternoon at home, and between lunch and dinner, he gets fruit or crackers or a homemade fruit ice lolly, yoghurt and water. Neva’s snacks usually consist of soft fruit like nectarine or banana or a rice cake. She also gets a 150ml milk bottle between lunch and dinner.
DO YOUR CHILDREN HAVE ANY FOOD ALLERGIES? My son, Archie, has multiple food allergies to peanuts, tree nuts (cashews, pistachio, walnut, brazil and almond) and to raw egg. He used to be allergic to milk and cooked eggs but has thankfully outgrown this and has built up a tolerance. Neva is not allergic to any foods, although we have never tried her on peanuts or tree nuts as we are a “nut-free” household due to Archie’s allergies.
WHAT, IN YOUR OPINION, IS THE BIGGEST MISTAKE PARENTS MAKE WHEN IT COMES TO FEEDING THEIR CHILDREN? Creating a negative atmosphere around mealtimes, for example, forcing a child to eat something and scolding them if they don’t. Mealtimes should be enjoyable – it’s an opportunity to try new tastes, eat the same foods together and to share time as a family. We don’t want children to be reluctant to be a part of family meals because of a negative atmosphere. Many parents fall into a trap of cooking numerous alternatives if the family meal is not eaten and can end up cooking different meals for each family member.