Making children comfortable at the dinner table helps them wriggle less and learn to eat. High chairs are good for babies but what about after they grow too big for one. Once out of the high chair young children like to be able to seat themselves. They also like to get off when they have finished eating. They need to be able to do this safely. Sometimes they like to sit on adult chairs and stools and feel grown up. This is not helpful for learning how to eat comfortably. Try sitting on a stool with your legs dangling in mid-air for a while!

Headaches, tiredness and constipation are signs of not drinking enough. We all need plenty of fluid, especially water, every day to stay feeling well and to keep your insides working. You will get some fluid from vegetables, fruit and milk (tea and coffee can be an option for adults too). Unfortunately, while juice, soft drinks and cordials provide fluid they have a lot of sugar. So, make tap water the main drink for the whole family: it’s freely available, looks after teeth, has no sugar and really is the best thirst quencher. Read more

If your teen is eating you out of house and home remember, their hunger is real – they’re growing and responding to natural feelings of hunger. Because of socialising, school, work and sport, your teen will spend more time away from home for meals and snacks. And if they have their own money, you’ll find you’ve even less control over what they eat. If you’ve set up a good structure around eating – regular meals and snacks, a variety of foods and no pressure on kids to eat – just keep this going. Trust your teen to nourish her- or himself outside the home. Read more

We know what happens in your own home has the most impact on your child’s eating and feeding habits. What children see and learn influences the many food choices they will come across in life. We know parents want their children to grow up healthy and strong. One of the best things you can do for this is to be a positive role model for your child around food and eating. Read more

Screens, such as TVs, mobile phones, tablets and computers, have become part of our daily lives. Young children can be fascinated with the colours and movement shown on a screen. But experts agree that screen time is not good for young children. Screen time often involves sitting or lying down for a long time. Getting away from screens and spending more time being active is good for children. It is good for parents too! It also helps set up these habits for life. Read more