Pass good habits to your kids

Children watch and copy what parents do. Each parent should therefore endeavour to pass on good habits to their kids. Here is some advice on good eating habits:

Speak their language: Tell children that real food comes from nature, while ‘fake’ food – like crisps, biscuits and sugary drinks – comes from factories. With this kind of information, kids get the concept that real is better than fake. Discuss what’s fake about diets, and resolve to choose healthy alternatives together.

Redefine dessert: Using sweets and ice cream as a postdinner bribe may devalue vegetables and fruits, and condition you and your child to expect a before-bed sugar fest. Instead, share yoghurt or fruit in the evening, and leave the ice cream for special occasions.

Surround your family with healthy options: Keeping your kitchen free of tempting junk will stop squabbles before they start. You can bring home cookies and ice cream and say no 20 times to your child; or you can say no in the store.