Nutrition
Developing a positive body image and a healthy relationship with food: Give your kids a head start!
Read the article 29 June 2021
The importance of family dinners
The importance of family dinners
When your child starts eating solid foods, your meal schedules don’t usually line up. You might not be hungry or have time to eat at the same time as them. Nevertheless, from the earliest meals, children benefit from a parent or the entire family’s presence at mealtimes.
Enjoying mealtimes to enjoy food
Babies feel comfortable eating with a parent. Having a routine and a dedicated place for mealtimes helps them feel safe and gives them a touchstone in their day. Your baby will associate food with the environment where they eat it. When you’re with your child during their meals, it shows that you’re enjoying this time together. You’re also giving your child the opportunity to develop positive associations with food. By eating as a family from the get-go, you can establish a foundation for lifelong healthy eating habits.
Leading by example
You probably already noticed that your child imitates you. Your favourite little one mimics your actions, behaviour, and eventually, speech. You’re their role model. So to be a positive influence, be interested and enthusiastic about what they’re eating. Enjoy rediscovering food with all five senses. Bite into an apple so they can hear the crunch or point out the bright orange colour of their carrots. This will give them the opportunity to become more curious about foods while developing their sense of taste and vocabulary.
Give them your full attention
When you eat with your children, you can observe them and be aware of their changing needs and tastes. And if you want them to pay attention to their meal, make sure there isn’t any external stimulation. Tablets, screens and toys can be big distractions. “What food is on my plate?” “What colour and shape is it?” “Am I still hungry?” Your child needs to be focused on their meal to answer these questions and so they can become familiar with different foods and learn what they need.
Enjoy your meal without distractions so you can enjoy your time together and bond as a family. Teach your child how to describe the food they’re eating so they can tell you what they think about the new food.
Tips
• Eat the same food as your children when you can. They’ll imitate you and try the same things as you.
• Describe what’s on your child’s plate. Name the food, taste, colour and texture. If the food has been prepared differently, for example, if carrots are pureed instead of sliced, tell your child so they know that it’s something they’ve already eaten.
• Invite your child into the kitchen or bring their high chair closer to the counter so they can see how you’re preparing their meal.
Written in collaboration with Gabrielle Proulx, nutritional intern.
