It’s Christmastime, and families are gathering for meals.
Sometimes, that means kids who are picky eaters become targets of comments from family members, even if they’re well-meaning.
Dietitian Emily Szatrowski encourages families to understand that if a kid wants certain foods, they should be allowed to have them.
Even as adults, we have foods we choose not to eat—kids should be given that same choice.
Of course, you can nudge a child towards healthy eating, but it’s also important not to demonize the “bad” foods they may want.
Szatrowski also hears about families using the “you can’t play until you finish your meal” rule during this time of year—a practice that can have consequences on developing minds.
That “finish your plate” mindset as a child often leads to more issues down the road as well.
If you are interested in learning more, or connecting with Emily as she consults with people all over Ontario online, you can visit her website at https://www.foodfreedomsolution.com/
(Matt Leblanc)
