OK so at home, we’ve got little guys, a 3 year old and a 5 year old. For many meals, all the boys want to eat is fruit or cereal.
So what does a good dad\parent do? – Lead by example
Well obviously a good dad\parent has to be patient, consistent, loving and lead by example. Your kids will listen to your actions much more than your words. If your kids are anything like mine, they love to “share with Daddy”. If Daddy is eating corn chips with salsa, that’s what they’ll want. If Daddy is eating an apple and a pear and a peach… that’s what they’ll want. If Daddy is eating spinach, broccoli, sliced apples and blueberries, that’s what they’ll want. OK, so it’s not as linear as I’d like for it to be but, the more they see you eating it, the more they’ll eat it too.
It’s like teaching them to drive – except this is for their health
Have you ever noticed your children doing something that you do while you’re driving… that makes your cringe? I know I have. The sounds of “race ’em Daddy, race ’em”, still make me shake my head. So, as a parent, I want my kids to be good drivers, heck, even great drivers. How much more important is it then, that they have good healthy food habits as they grow up that they learn at home. Once our kids leave our nest, they’ll go off and make their own choices that they will need to live with.
Childhood Obesity
According to the CDC, childhood obesity statistics from 1980 to 2012:
Obesity in children aged from 6 – 11, increased from 7% to 18%
Obesity in children aged from 12 – 19, increased from 5% to 21%
Obesity in children increases many risk factors
Your kids will listen to your actions.
Although I struggle at times with eating a great diet, these statistics are hard to turn away from. Lead by example, eat your fresh vegetables and fruits in front of your kids and with them. They will listen to your actions.
Surely leading by example is one of the most important parts of getting your family to eat healthy. For more tips to get your kids eating healthy check out these popular posts.
My Kids Won’t Eat That! 5 tips for introducing new (healthy) foods.
5 Simple Tricks to Get Your Kids to Eat Their Veggies
We are trying to make the transition to plant based, and it’s very difficult for us because we have such diversion in age in our home from 14 years to 20 months. I also was a fast food junkie, and am picky. Would you recommend anywhere I could find recipes for whole foods/ plant based eating. We love pasta. Smoothies are a big part of out diet as well, but idk how much nutrients I’m giving my kids with limited experience. I started by filling half the plate with veggies and fruit and now I’m working on no meat. We will get there, I’m determined. Thank you 🙂
You are in the right place! This blog has the best plant based recipes!
Thanks Cara! You are so sweet!
Hi Stephanie,
It sounds like you are off to a great start! Slow and steady wins the race, especially when you have a diverse household. No matter what you prepare (even unhealthy foods) it’s almost impossible to please everyone. I’m partial to my recipes but another great option is Happy Herbivore. You can pick up the cookbooks on Amazon for a good price. Keep an eye on my facebook page too because I’m always sharing recipes from other bloggers that you may like.
If you love pasta have it several times a week. If necessary “hide” veggies in the sauce by pureeing them. That will get your kids used to the the flavor before they have to actually eat a big piece. My kids love potatoes, baked potatoes or baked sweet potatoes are always popular. Your older kids may like tacos or burritos too. Personal pizzas or tostadas are usually a hit with kids.
Just keep on trying you will get there.