The festive season is filled with family, friends, fun and food. As a parent, you’re not alone if all the party food on offer this time of year makes you feel just a little anxious about what your child is offered or is eating.
Here is what you can do to keep the focus on the festive fun and decrease the worry.
1. Be flexible
Take a relaxed flexible approach to feeding. Most children will manage how much and what they eat themselves. Allow your child to eat from the food on offer and try not to make a big deal about what or how they eat.
In all the excitement, young children often forget to eat food at parties. Have some food handy to give your child after the party to reduce the risk of a post-party meltdown.
2. Bring a simple plate
Keep food simple so it is familiar to children and they can eat it easily. You may find a simple fresh fruit platter goes down better than a flash fruit salad or pudding.
Fresh or roasted vegetables cut up and served with a dip may work better than a fancy salad.
A cheese plate with bread and crackers can be a winner. Add some fresh fruit like strawberries or vegetables sticks like carrot or celery.
If you are bringing a dish to share, think seasonal, fresh and local where you can.
Make sure water is available for everyone. Sometimes it is a good idea to bring the kid’s own water bottles, so they have drink always handy.
3. Keep it positive
Eating should be enjoyable and help bring friends and family together. Positive eating experiences create memories for children that last.
You and your child will have a much more enjoyable time if you are not worrying about what your child is or isn’t eating.
Enjoy the festive fare without joining in any ‘diet talk’ yourself.
Taking a positive approach to food and eating is such a valuable gift that you can give your children.
Find out more about feeding children at the Healthy Kids website