Canada: Forcing kids to eat their greens counter-productive
The study, carried out at the University of Montreal, suggests what it calls "power sharing" as opposed to conflict at the dinner table.
"If the child has to finish their broccoli before leaving the table, there's a good chance that the child will be less inclined to eat this vegetable," says the study's author, dietician Genevieve Dulude.
In the study Genevieve surveyed 122 mothers with children between the ages of three and five, during mealtimes. Amongst the parents surveyed were those of different parenting styles including authoritarian, democratic, indulgent and neglectful.
It turned out that children with overbearing parents had less healthy diets and a strong preference for sweet foods. It also transpired that children with mothers who were open to negotiation showed a greater preference for fruits and vegetables.
Genevieve says that her results show that there is more than personal taste behind the eating habits of children and that parental strategies are an important factor.
"'The use of these strategies' probably explains the perception of the meal as an uncomfortable time when there are arguments," wrote Dulude.
Dulude noted that 31% of mothers she surveyed saw mealtime as difficult while 16% believed their child was a fickle eater.
She advises parents to maintain overall control of eating - when, what, where - whilst involving the child in the process of deciding how much of each foodstuff they would like to eat.
"A child can choose what to eat without being constrained, punished or rewarded," said Dulude.
"This should lighten the mood of the meal and allow the child to discover new foods at their own pace."
She says that her research indicates that persistence is required as children may need to be shown a type of food 15 times before agreeing to try it.
"Parents have to be persistent and patient by agreeing to discard a plate that's barely been touched," she said.
Source: www.torontosun.com
