Common nutrition mistakes parents make for kids

Parents try their best to provide the best for their children as good nutrition is foundation of a kid’s physical growth. It is important for their brain development and immunity.

However, everyday habits, busy schedules and misleading food trends can lead to making nutrition mistakes which parents make unintentionally.

Heavily relying of packaged and ‘kid-friendly’ food items

Several companies are now selling and relying heavily on ‘kid-friendly’ food items.. From flavoured yogurts, to cereal to fruit juices and ‘healthy’ snack bars but little do parents realise that they are high in sugar and preservatives. And they are not healthy at all! Parents may opt for these as nutritious as easy food options because they are ‘supposed to meant for kids’ but replacing them for real nutrition as fresh fruits, vegetables or home-cooked meal, can prove dangerous.

It can affect a kid’s immunity, energy levels and digestion power. Whole food items prepared at home are far better and nutritious than processed market bought alternatives.

Parents often make the mistake of forcing their kids to eat everything. While encouraging their kid to eat well is important, forcing can lead them to dissociate from their natural hunger pangs. A kid’s appetite depends on their growing phase, activities and mood.

The habit of overeating or staying hungry may make them form an unhealthy relationship with food later in life. Offering a balanced course means and letting the kid enjoy, feel the food and eat it according to their preference build better trust and self regulation.

Balancing variety

Many times, parents focus heavily on one food group – either for proteins or carbs. They tend to neglect the healthy fats, fibre or the micronutrients. If certain meals are repetitive in the name of being ‘healthy’, it can limit their nutrient intake.

Children need all types of food, grains, vegetable, fruits, fats as well as protein for an overwell development. But skipping meals, especially breakfast is one of the common mistakes parents make.

It affects their concentration level and mood.Good nutrition doesn’t mean that everything has to be perfect. Regular meal timing and offering diverse food are some of the simple habits a parent can adapt. Children’s food should be avoided sugary snacks by adapting to healthy sweeteners. When parents have a balanced approach with food, the kid also develops healthy eating habits that stay with them for life.