Children don’t learn their own eating habits overnight alone, they need an example to follow.². It is therefore the role that parents take on, responsible for what they find on their plates. “Healthy eating begins with parents. They are the guarantors of the nutritional health of their children and their role is to give them good habits. They must be able to explain to them that eating healthy means preserving and guaranteeing their health for the future ” advises our nutritionist. Parents’ eating habits have a strong influence on those of their children: they follow them as a role model from an early age and above all, they eat what their parents buy. It all starts in the supermarket basket, because if parents do not adopt a varied and balanced diet, there is little chance that children will get used to it too. In addition, school catering services should, in theory, ensure the continuity of these good eating habits, and not replace the role of parents.

Do not force the child to eat

If the child does not want to finish his plate, it is useless to force him, under penalty of being “punished”. “Keep in mind that a healthy child has enough food. We must offer him, encourage him, but not force him “. Forcing it can only lead to a dietary imbalance. Indeed, if a child forces himself to eat, he may lose his ability to assess his appetite. If it becomes repetitive, you have to try to understand why. Maybe his plate is too full? A 6 year old child does not have the same nutritional needs as an adult, nor the same stomach, this must be taken into account. It could also be because he just doesn’t like the taste of a food. Cooking it in different ways, or incorporating it into dishes he likes can be solutions. However, if the child is not hungry, he should still be encouraged to stay at the table. Don’t forget to bring up the subject of waste, so that your child doesn’t get into the habit of never finishing their plate.

Do not deprive your child of certain foods

Studies have shown that a child deprived of certain foods will be more likely to be overweight in his lifetime, while a child whose parents moderately restrict fatty foods will consume fewer calories than the first.¹. According to Catherine Conan, nutritionist, “It is not a question of completely eliminating fatty and sugary foods, but of limiting their consumption”. You have to teach your child that this type of food is not good for his health, but that he has the right to eat it occasionally. “We absolutely have to keep this notion of occasional pleasure” she adds. The notion of prohibition related to these foods could push him to consume them once his back is turned, which is not the goal. It is important to explain and teach your child that some foods are good for them and others are not. For example, at snack time, prefer a fruit and a dairy product than a cookie. Your child will get used to eating this type of snack and will be less tempted to turn to sweets. Regarding fast food restaurants, explain to him that their frequentation should remain occasional and that it is only a moment of pleasure, because what is served there is not good for the child.

Scaglioni S et al. (2011). Determinants of children’s eating behaviour. Am J Clin Nutr 94(suppl):2006s–2011s. Gibson EL et al. (2012). A narrative review of psychological and educational strategies applied to young children’s eating behaviours aimed at reducing obesity risk. Obes Rev 13(1):85–95.