AS your child begins to adjust to life at school and gets closer to his new friends, you may notice a change in his food preferences and eating habits. For instance, he might be skipping meals, eating very little or snacking excessively on sweets or junk food.
These changes are a result of the increasing freedom and sense of independence a school-going child enjoys. Many parents feel that since their child is big enough to attend school, he or she is mature enough to pick and choose their own food. This is where the real trouble begins.
Your school-going child is at an age when he is easily influenced. He now spends more time with friends at school and during extra-curricular activities. The TV or computer is his constant companion when he gets home. Chances are that these are his main sources of influence, instead of the most important person in his life during this time – you.
Keep in mind, however, that your child still looks up to you as a role model. Make full use of this fact to teach him about the benefits of good nutrition, healthy eating habits, and physical activity. By doing so, you are influencing his food choices when he is away from home. More importantly, you are also influencing his food choices in the future.
You can empower your child to make sensible choices when it comes to food by:
Empowering yourself
Seek advice from a nutritionist/dietitian or your family doctor and pick up the basics of good nutrition and how best to feed your child. You can also read up on good nutrition to arm yourself with the right information. You are more inclined to teach and empower your child when you are confident with the knowledge you have.
Becoming a role model
Because your child is impressionable, you should strive to be an example of healthy eating and living. This includes practising good eating habits, enjoying an active lifestyle and keeping good personal hygiene. For example, when eating your veggies, make it a point to tell your child how delicious they taste and how healthy they are. Chances are that your child will follow suit and go for his greens, too.
Starting them young
Inculcate healthy eating habits in your child from young. Start with something simple, yet important. For example, make sure he eats breakfast everyday before going to school. You can also prepare meals in healthy ways so that he will acquire good eating habits from young. Or you can explain to him how important his meals and snacks are. Tell him that they are beneficial to his health and that eating regular meals help him grow into a strong, smart boy. This will increase your child’s chances of practising healthy eating habits throughout his life.
Don’t give up!
One of the keys to instilling good nutrition knowledge is patience. Your child may refuse to eat his veggies after being told for the fifth time, but keep trying. When you coax and reason with him enough, he will eventually come around to eating them.
Practical, fun tips
Learning about good nutrition does not have to be boring. Here are some tips to make it fun for you and your child.
Shop together
This is a great opportunity to educate your child about food in its raw form so that he is better acquainted with their scent and texture. Children are curious about things around them, and this makes it easier for you to point out how beneficial some foods are. It is never too early to start teaching them about what is listed on food packages. You can pick up a box of wholegrain cereals and tell them about the benefits of eating wholegrain cereals.
Cook together
For starters, you can prepare breakfast together on weekends. Primary schoolchildren are at the ideal age to learn about good nutrition. They are interested to learn new things. They are also eager and capable enough to help you around the kitchen by performing simple tasks like washing fruits or tearing veggies into pieces. They will be more interested to taste the food they helped prepare as it will give them a chance to tell the rest of the family about it.
Eat together
Make it a habit that your family has a meal together everyday. This is an excellent time for you to bond with your child, ask him about his day and share how yours was like. Always keep family mealtimes fun and casual. Your child is more likely to eat and enjoy his meals in a positive atmosphere.
Play together
Playing with your child is a great way for both of you to enjoy physical activity. You can take him to the park or playground, or you can play team games such as badminton. Going on a picnic or hiking are also fun family outings.
Communicate together
Always make time to talk and listen to your child. Ask him what his classmates eat, if he likes the same foods and whether he enjoys his physical education sessions at school. It does not need to be only about food. Talking with your child about all sorts of things brings you closer to him. Keep in mind that there should be two-way communication, so let him talk as much as you do.
The decision to start teaching your child about good nutrition begins with you. Remember that you only have a small window of opportunity to do so because your child grows rapidly and needs good nutrition now. So get started today; feed your child right, educate him about the right foods, and inculcate a love of physical activity.
* Learn more about bringing up healthy children through the various educational materials and activities of Nutrition Month Malaysia 2010 (NMM ’10) from nutriweb.org.my. Do join in the fun NMM ’10 Carnival at the Mid Valley Exhibition Centre on May 15 and 16, from 10am onwards. This article is brought to you by Nutrition Month Malaysia, the annual nutrition promotion campaign jointly organised by the Nutrition Society of Malaysia, the Malaysian Dietitians’ Association and the Malaysian Association for the Study of Obesity.
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