The News and Observer – Shelly Wegman
“We feed children to nourish them and as an act of bonding. But it’s important to distinguish between your responsibility as the provider of food and the child’s responsibility as the eater of the food, and to help them form a healthy, normal relationship with food. Food should be fun and satisfying, not used as a reward or punishment. And eating shouldn’t be a battle of wills. Generally speaking, children will eat if they’re hungry and that hunger will vary. Infants and young children have small stomachs and need to be fed small amounts throughout the day. It doesn’t always have to be a hot, full-course meal. Most meals should include a small portion of protein, some carbohydrate from fruit or whole grains, and a vegetable or two. Snacks may be just one or two of these components. It could be whole wheat toast with peanut butter and a glass of milk or maybe an egg and some fruit for breakfast; a piece of chicken, some carrot sticks and some grapes would work for a quick lunch. Dinner may be a taco and salad or soup and sandwich. Snacks such as celery with peanut butter or cheese and crackers are quick and easy.”(more)