By Lisa Hauf
Nutrition is an intense topic these days, especially involving children. Everywhere you go, it seems there are opinions on top of more opinions. And let’s not even start to compare grandma’s opinion versus the newest trends.
As a mom of three children, I can tell you first-hand children are not the same, and you have to do what works best for each child.
My oldest child has never been a big eater. He is one of the few kids I know who do not like Mac’ n Cheese and will choose a salad over fries. When he was one, I’m convinced he lived off crackers. I didn’t follow any books or pay much attention to the new fads. I listened to my pediatrician and nine years later he is doing just fine; he likes fish, broccoli and hamburgers. Over the years, his taste buds have shifted, and new foods get added to his favorites and some of his favorites become his least favorite. Like most kids, one month he will scarf down two hamburgers and the next month, he will barely eat a few bites. Kids grow and their nutritional needs change as that growth happens.
My middle child loves his sweets; this may come from his mom’s side of the family, but let’s not place any blame here. Cookies for breakfast have happened, though they are not encouraged. Lately, his favorite way to eat is by being fed like a puppy. He runs around and comes up for a “treat.” I know at daycare he must sit for lunch, so at home, I let my middle child have an imagination and encourage his “puppy treats” to be healthy ones. The incredible thing is, he is also the child who insists we all sit down and pray at each meal. But as soon as we pray, he is ready to be a puppy. Knowing what I know from my first child, this is a phase and, in a month or two, we will be on to the next stage.
My youngest child is my champion eater. He loves to eat and will eat just about anything – vegetables, fruit, chicken, beef, bread – he loves it all. I did nothing considerably different with this child. If anything I had a more nonchalant approach to introducing foods. I did make the mistake of giving him an Oreo the other day, and now I need to hide the Oreos, as he has been pointing to them every time we go by the pantry. What is it with Oreos? One can never stop at just one.
Three children, with three different eating styles. I know the importance of encouraging healthy eating. Believe me, I’ve taken the toy dinosaurs out during dinner, just to get my children to try broccoli. I also know you must feed your children for what works best for them. Don’t judge others on what they feed their children, and don’t stress too much about what your children are choosing to eat. The one thing that has remained the same in all three of my children, their eating habits change as they grow.
Continue to do your best for your child. Don’t worry too much about it and let me know if you find a good spot to hide those Oreos!