I was brought up in a ‘clear-your-plate’ household… and it never did me any good
The IndependentThe best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. So the culinary psychodrama would continue, often ending with my father angrily enquiring: “What about children who don’t have enough food to eat – have you thought about that?” People starving in Africa is quite a guilt trip to put on an eight-year-old who isn’t keen on carrots. A poll for the British Nutrition Foundation has found that 37 per cent of parents always or often make children eat all the food put in front of them. But with one in 10 children classed as obese by the time they join primary school, nutritional experts have cast doubt on whether it’s a healthy approach to encourage children to eat every morsel and even go for seconds. In the wake of the survey’s findings, BNF nutrition communications manager Bridget Benelam, counselled: “Research has shown that large portions of food encourage both adults and children to eat more, so getting portion sizes right is an important element of having a balanced diet that supports a healthy body weight.” It’s certainly made me feel a little more confident about my own approach to feeding my five-year-old son.
History of this topic
Should you force your child to eat everything on their plate?
The Independent
Forcing children to finish meals could be fuelling obesity crisis
The Independent
6 Tips To Instil Healthy Eating Habits In Children
News 18
World Sight Day: Screen time and meals for kids, tips to make mealtime relaxing and enjoyable
Hindustan Times
Child Obesity: 5 Tips For Parents To Nurture Children In A Junk Food-Free Lifestyle
News 18
Mums admit they’ll eat the meals made by their little ones, no matter how it turns out
The Independent
Understanding fussy eating habits of kids: Expert shares inputs
Hindustan Times
If You Think Your Child Likes to Eat Alone, You’re Wrong. Kids Who Eat with Family are Happier
News 18
The Biggest Challenges Of Feeding Kids, And Tips To Make Life Easier
Huff Post
Letting your child pick their snack may help you eat better
Hindustan Times
Everything you've told your child about eating everything on their plate is WRONG
Daily MailDiscover Related
)
