Parents Influence Kids’ Eating Habits
Milk can be an important part of healthy eating.

There’s good news and bad news about children’s health, according to the National Institute of Nutrition.

"First, the good news: children generally have a healthy attitude about food and seem to be eating well. The not-so-good news is that obesity is emerging as a problem, likely because they are starving for exercise," says NIN president Suzanne Hendricks.

On the plus side, eating is among children’s favourite activities, according to a Health Canada survey. Kids give themselves good marks when asked to evaluate their eating habits but have some trouble seeing the bigger nutrition picture. Like many of the adults whose views they mirror, they tend to label foods as good or bad. Fruits, vegetables and milk score high marks as healthy, or good foods. Children enjoy foods like chocolate and chips that are not part of the four food groups, but label them as bad foods. This polarized view makes it difficult for them to truly evaluate their total eating pattern. What’s more, grains are overlooked as an important part of healthy eating.

According to health Canada’s survey, parents have the greatest influence on what kids eat. To reinforce balance, variety and moderation, they can help their children think of foods as being everyday and sometimes foods. The everyday foods are found in the four food groups: the sometimes foods are treats like chocolate, chips, and pop - to be enjoyed occasionally.

Because many children spend at least some time alone, parents should provide tasty, nutritious snacks that are accessible, such as oatmeal cookies, crunchy cereals, yogourt or fruit. TV advertising - another influence on children - can be turned into a learning experience by helping children think about how the ads they see influence their view of a product.

The environment in which children grow up has an important influence on their lifelong habits.

"Parents should demand that schools not only teach children about nutrition in the classroom, but also commit to health policies that make healthy eating and daily physical activity an integral part of the school environment," said Hendricks.

Information provided by the National Institute of Nutrition and Multi-Ad Services.
Taken from THE LANCE - Wednesday, November 15, 2000