Kids eat snacks like Netflix. As soon as one ends, another one is getting started*
February 2019 | Ruth Freeman
When parents permit kids to “graze,” that is eating at will throughout the day, parents will often end up with power struggles with kids and sometimes even eating problems or disorders. Experts suggest that scheduled meals and snacks with limited offerings is best for developing good eating skills. Ellyn Satter, nationall recognized adviser on feeding children recommends the following:
Parents are entirely responsible for when, where and what is served to children
Children are entirely responsible for whether they eat and how much
This plan eliminates food battles and improves children’s natural abilities to notice when satisfied.
Interesting that this parents made the connection between snacks and Netflix – how many families allow eating in front of screens? This reduces the likelikhood that children will recognize when satisfied and make good choices.
Parents may also want to think about how many processed snacks are available. As one nutritionist recently noted – if your food can’t go bad, consider it bad for your health.
And now for the shameless plug… Don’t have a Peace at Home Parenting Portal? Let’s fix that. Ask your company, school, or favorite neighborhood group to join us. We’ve got Corporate, K-12 School, and Family Service programs that bring calm to the chaos—no yoga mat required. Click here to join as an individual or family.
Child Development Stages: A Parent's Roadmap for Every
Quick Summary: Understanding child development stages helps you respond to your child with confidence instead of guesswork. This roadmap explains what's normal...
Quick Summary: Simple summer traditions, not a jam-packed bucket list, are what actually build connection with kids. Two or three anchor rituals paired with wid...
Screen Time Counterweights: Building a Summer Boredom Plan
Summer is here. The familiar panic sets in right on schedule. The days stretch out forever and those digital screens are glowing brightly, begging for attention...
Beyond Behavior Charts: What Really Helps Kids with
There is so much pressure on parents right now. Pressure to get it right. Pressure to solve big challenges. Pressure to help children succeed, cope, achieve, re...
Strong Fathers, Connected Kids: How Your Past Shapes
Most of us go into fatherhood with a quiet, stubborn vow. I’m going to do this differently. Or maybe, I’m going to make sure my kids actually listen to me. We p...
Before You Blame Screens: Understanding Your Child's End-of-School
Before You Blame Screens: Understanding Your Child's End-of-School Emotional Surge The first week of June is already behind us. The weather is finally tur...