TIPS TO ENCOURAGE HEALTHY EATING

1. CHOOSE YOUR BATTLES WISELY Food battles can take place over such things as what, when, how much and where your child eats. Try not to fight every battle at each meal.

2. BE FIRM Once you’ve chosen your battle, stick to your guns. Your child will realise that there are limits to her ability to control her environment and that there isn’t a lot to be gained by continually pushing these limits. This should be done in a gentle but firm manner.

3. DE-ESCALATE THE CONFLICT

Take some of the heat off the argument by making dinner times fun. You can:

• Encourage your child to help you in the preparation of her meals where appropriate.

• Offer food of different colours and textures and allow her to touch and smell her food so that she experiences it with many senses.

• Instead of always sitting at the dinner table, put a blanket on the lawn and have a picnic.

• Let your child feed herself, even if it’s messy and frustrating to watch. • Leave as much time as possible for mealtimes so that you can eat together in a relaxed manner that encourages good communication.