Every child is unique in terms of their eating habits. No two children are similar when it comes to their food preferences. Besides, the eating choices of kids also depend on their appetite, which keeps changing from day to day. Sometimes kids eat more, while at other times they may eat very limited. However, all these things are nothing to worry about. Rather than concentrating on the quantity that the child is consuming, it is important to focus on the quality. As far as overeating or undereating of a child is concerned, that is somewhat adjusted as per the appetite of the child in the next meal. But it is necessary to make sure that the child is filling its tummy with healthy food. 

Developing healthy eating habits for kids is very important. And it cannot be developed overnight. You have to work on it. You can set examples by eating healthy. Allowing your child to eat a packet of chips or any other snack or junk food if she refuses to eat her meal is not a solution. Moreover, luring kids with their favourite snack for finishing their meal is also not recommended if you want your child to imbibe good eating habits.

Sticking to meals and snacks at regular times can help to promote the good appetite of your child at mealtimes. Providing timely meals and snacks goes a long way in promoting a healthy eating routine among children.

Statistics and problems associated with Kid’s nutrition in India

As per a recent study, over a quarter of children in India less than two years of age were not eating a varied or nutritious diet. In the case of poor households, poverty and illiteracy of parents play a major role in this regard, whereas in the case of wealthy homes, junk and picky eating choices of children do the damage. 

The study further says that about 23% of kids between the age group of 6 months to 2 years receive enough nutritious and varied diet. A nutritious and adequate diet must contain grains, roots and tubers, nuts, legumes, dairy products, meat, and fruits and vegetables. 

Eating an assortment of healthy food items is equally important as eating good quality and quantity of food, especially for growing children. The food that we offer to our kids should be balanced with adequate proteins, fats, and carbohydrates along with vitamins and minerals.

Influence of Covid19 in the routine and eating habits

Breaking the schedule or routine of kids was the primary damage caused by covid19 over the last two years. Moreover, it also made the children confined within the four walls of the house with no school, not much physical activity, no outdoor life, and so on. All this is making kids lethargic and inactive. It has also affected their appetite, food habits, and regularity among other things.    

Due to this, kids have become picky eaters, and there is no regularity in eating, sleeping, etc., which is influencing the nutritious intake of kids. 

Influence of mood swings in eating

Besides the above, there is also the issue of mood swings among kids. The appetite and mood swings go hand and hand in making kids eat something or not. Most of the time, the child only craves junk and unhealthy food, and parents have to agree to the whims and fancies of kids to make them eat. 

It is up to the parents to ensure that the kid eats proper and nutritious food and for this, they must try different ways such as -:

• Parents can set an example by eating healthy food themselves so that kids can learn from them
• Having proper mealtime and sitting and eating together as a family
• Set proper time for meals and snacks   
• Don’t force kids to eat large quantities. Let the child eat as per their age and body size
• Keep trying new and healthy options of food as per the likings of your child
• Let the child have balanced portions of treats as well.    

If despite everything your child still refuses to eat properly, you can approach a child counsellor and get counselling on how you can infuse nutritious and healthy eating in your kid.

Best practices for parents to practice

Since parents are responsible for instilling good eating habits among kids, they should decide what and when (food) to buy and serve to their kids. Of course, kids will pester you to buy junk and less nutritious items, however, taking charge and letting them make good eating choices is in your hand. That doesn’t mean you should deprive them of their favorite food or snacks, but making a balance between what they eat is important. You may buy them their favorite snack once in a while but don’t make it a part of their daily eating habit. Only with certain restrictions as well as some liberties in their meals and food choices, you can ensure to reach the most nutritious level of eating for your kids.