Beyond the Clean Plate Club

Hello parents! As we step into the new year, let's reflect on a common phrase in parenting: "Finish your plate before dessert." It's a tradition, but have you ever wondered how it might influence our children's connection with their bodies? It's a thought worth exploring as we embrace the principles of the Four Golden Eating Rules.

So, about that clean plate expectation – what if we shift our focus, guided by the principle of dividing responsibilities? Parents handle purchasing and serving healthy food, while our little ones decide what and how much to eat. It's about letting mealtime be a natural process of feeding their bodies, acknowledging that children eat for themselves, not for us. If they eat less at one meal, no worries; we can patiently wait until the next meal to offer food.

Let's also embrace the principle of eating when our bodies are hungry and stopping when full. This skill, inherent in infants, can be a valuable asset throughout childhood. Rather than engineering how much they eat, let's allow them to learn the natural cues of hunger and satiety. And here's an idea – let's ditch the notion of making children "clean the plate." Pressure to eat is unnecessary. Research even suggests that using smaller plates helps control portion sizes and reduces calorie intake. The benefit? Children naturally finish their plate on a smaller one without the need for coaxing.

Now, the powerful principle of eating together. Our modeling habits and behaviors speak volumes to our children. Making a commitment to eat together at least once a day, involving them in meal preparation, and sharing the same foods can foster a positive relationship with eating. Plus, it eliminates the need for cooking special meals for our children.

As we embark on this journey, let's not forget that our children eat for themselves, guided by their body signals and fullness cues. By embracing these principles, we're not just navigating healthy eating; we're fostering a lifelong understanding and appreciation for nourishing our bodies. Here's to a year filled with shared meals, mindful moments, and positive eating experiences!

References:

Katie A. Loth, Richard F. MacLehose, Jayne A. Fulkerson, Scott Crow, Dianne Neumark-Sztainer; Food-Related Parenting Practices and Adolescent Weight Status: A Population-Based Study. Pediatrics May 2013; 131 (5): e1443–e1450. 10.1542/peds.2012-3073