It's hard (impossible) to change an 8 year old's food habits. But when they're between 1 and 3 they are forming a crucial relationship with what they eat. For those who are frugal minded, this is a great time begin talking to them about all the foods and drinks that are "from the farm".
We've had a lot of success with our toddler at the farmers market, having her pick out veggies, syrups and butter. We've taken her to the farm, and plan a trip to the apple orchard in a few weeks. The idea is to physically connect her to the food she is eating and I think this works at an early age.
Another thing we decided to do as a counterpoint to how I was raised was we don't act upset when she doesn't eat well. We don't pressure her or bargain. We give her time, ask her to try and then make simple alternative we know she would like
We've had a lot of success doing this. She claims carrots as one of her favorite foods, she asks to have broccoli, peas and corn. She mows down cucumbers without mercy. She will still pick out what she wants to eat on complicated meals, but she's not necessarily excluding vegetables.
It goes a long way to keep processed foods out of your grocery bill, medical bills. A little investment in the way your child understands what they eat might rival a 401k.
August 24, 2019 at 06:46PM
