When I first became a parent, I tried to read all I could about the best foods for my daughter’s health. I learned her early eating habits could have lifelong effects on her health.
I’m sure all the advice I read is true. Now, as a more seasoned mother, I believe some tips must have been written by scientists in a lab, wearing latex gloves and with all the eyes on the microscope.
My own non-scientific personal findings have been researched with my eyes on the dinner table, while the only thing covering my hands was a set of oven mitts.
When my daughter, Aryn, was an infant, I knew that breast milk offered the best mix of nutrients for building a healthy body and brain. However, in real life, bottle-feeding iron-fortified formula gave me a way to occasionally catch up on some much needed sleep during those early months. My husband also enjoyed his freedom to feel Aryn whenever needed.
Ten years later, I am happy to report that Aryn is now extremely happy and healthy and has bonded wonderfully with both of her parents. She holds no grudges.
Toddlers' Diets
When Aryn turned 2, we desperately tried to instill healthy eating habits. We limited junk food, offered plenty of fruits and vegetables and cut down on fat, switching her from whole to low-fat mild.
According to the books, we were doing all the right things. Then why did we find ourselves smiling across the table at our toddler who was dining on macaroni and cheese, turkey, applesauce and milk for the 12th day in a row?
Because that’s the reality of children. I feared my child might never be able to spell because she wouldn’t eat green vegetables. The good news is that she now loves to sit for hours and write long, creative stories (with most of the words spelled correctly).
More good news. Just like my child and yours, smart, talented people like Albert Einstein, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Clara Barton and Michael Jordan were probably picky eaters, too.
Snacking Smart
If your child is growing normally, it’s usually not worth mealtime struggles to try and force her to eat a well-rounded diet at every sitting. Snacks are often more appealing than real meals and are actually needed to keep energy levels up and tantrums down throughout the day.
But make snacks healthy! Fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, raw vegetable sticks, graham crackers, cheese cubes and turkey slices are power food for growing brains and bodies.
During the preschool years, growth slows down, so don’t fret if your child’s appetite decreases. This is an excellent time to help your child learn that eating a proper diet is part of a healthy lifestyle.
It’s never too early to begin to feed your child’s brain with high-protein, power-packed calories. And don’t worry, your non-broccoli-eater will some day request it as part of her special birthday dinner.
Trust me, I’ve been there.
Kathy Kipnicki is a freelance writer and mother of one daughter.