Kids

Nutrition for Kids: It’s Hard

January 15, 2024

As parents, our journey with ensuring our children receive the best nutrition starts from the very beginning – from the choice between breastfeeding and bottle-feeding, to the introduction of solid foods. However, as they grow, so do the challenges associated with maintaining a healthy and balanced diet for them. In this blog post, I’ll explore […]

Weight Loss Secrets from a Nutritionist

Nutrition for Kids: It’s Hard
3 Tips for Parents of Fussy Eaters
Now Trending:
I'm JADE!

When it comes to your health you need the right experience in your corner, not just the right person. I’m a qualified, registered clinical nutritionist. That means that everything I do is evidence-based and backed by research. 

hello,

Are Your Snacks Making You Hungier?

As parents, our journey with ensuring our children receive the best nutrition starts from the very beginning – from the choice between breastfeeding and bottle-feeding, to the introduction of solid foods. However, as they grow, so do the challenges associated with maintaining a healthy and balanced diet for them. In this blog post, I’ll explore the evolving landscape of nutrition for kids, focusing on the struggles parents face when our kids transition to independent eating.

In the early stages, we meticulously monitor our kid’s growth, ensuring they receive the right nutrients from breast milk or formula. The transition to solid foods comes with its own set of challenges, with various opinions on the right way to introduce solids. As parents, we play the role of guides, carefully selecting the first foods and celebrating each milestone. Yet, as our children become more independent, this once well-choreographed dance can turn into a chaotic solo performance.

Once our children fully transition to independent eating, they assert their newfound independence by expressing food preferences and dislikes. The dinner table becomes a battleground where they may refuse to sit, demand specific foods, and inappropriately discard others (wall covered in food anyone?). It’s a phase that many parents find challenging.

Fussy eating is a common phase in a child’s development, often emerging between the ages of 2 and 6. It’s essential to recognize that this behavior is a natural part of their exploration of autonomy. As parents, our role shifts from feeding to guiding, providing a variety of nutritious options and allowing them to make choices within those boundaries. This approach helps foster a positive relationship with food, setting the foundation for a healthy lifestyle.

To navigate the challenges of nutrition for kids, it’s crucial to create a positive food environment at home. Involve your children in meal planning and preparation, making it a fun and educational experience. Understanding that children develop preferences is key to overcoming the hurdles of independent eating. While it’s important to expose them to diverse foods, respect their likes and dislikes. Introduce new foods gradually, and don’t be discouraged if they initially refuse. Patience is key; it may take multiple attempts before a new food becomes an accepted part of their diet.

Navigating the ever-changing landscape of nutrition for kids is undoubtedly a challenging aspect of parenthood. The transition to independent eating comes with its unique set of hurdles, but by approaching it with patience, understanding, and a positive mindset, parents can help establish healthy eating habits that will benefit their children in the long run. 

Happy Little Eaters is a nutrition course for parents all about feeding kids ages 1-5 years of age. If it sounds like something you need, come on over here.

img-4

+ show Comments

- Hide Comments

add a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Your journey to a healthy weight starts with my supportive group program where I help you implement the small changes that will make the biggest impact in your life.

LEARN MORE

Learn the three weight loss lies you're being sold.

The top weight loss lies you need to ignore to lose weight positively and sustainably. Pop your email below to get my free guide, complete with actions you can take to start losing weight today.





It’s a full-on love hate relationship.

First things first, I’m Jade. And, while I love nutrition, I hate that the industry is full of misleading so-called ‘wellness’. That’s why I’m here. To bring you personalised nutritional guidance backed by science and the latest research.

MY STORY

my story..

BOOK NOW →

You can stay home and we’ll meet online, or you can come to Leederville in Perth for a face-to-face consultation. You’ll be sent a questionnaire before the appointment, so I’ll know you a little bit before we meet.

In person or

in your PJ's?

tell me...

Quick and EASY meals for busy mums.

My free 16 page meal guide to the quickest and easiest meal options for busy mums. I promise you - it can be easier!



Jade is a clinical Nutritionist in Perth backed by science and the latest research.

© harman health 2024

contact >

freebies >

BOOK now >

about >

follow along

in Instagram: