How to Talk About Food & Nutrition with Your Kids
The casual chatter you make during meal times, trying on clothes, or talking about others can deeply affect your child’s relationship with food and their body. These negative statements may go unnoticed by you, but stick with your family members for years to come. The younger generations' views of nutrition and self-esteem are already at risk of being warped by social media and diet culture, Why would we encourage these harmful ideals at home? Let’s have our kids remember their favorite recipes and the memories that come with them without the dark cloud of judgment, restriction, and calorie counting looming over them. Changing the way we discuss food and our bodies can empower our kids to listen to their bodies, feel confident in their clothes, and develop a beneficial relationship with exercise. So, let’s use this summer as an opportunity to practice the suggestions below!
Avoid Talking About Food & Nutrition with Your Kids Like This…
“I have been so bad today, I need to hit the gym”
“I cannot believe I ate that much at dinner and that meal was way too greasy and heavy I feel huge!”
“You look great! Have you lost weight?!”
“I know if summer, but that does not mean you can be on the couch all day”
“I definitely do not have my bikini body ready for summer”
“I feel so fat today”
“I have been so good today so we can go to our favorite ice cream place later”
“I have noticed your friend Jane has gained a lot of weight lately makes me so sad for her”
“Isn’t this dessert good? It is only 200 calories and low fat so we have nothing to worry about!”
“Get yourself another slice, It’s a cheat day!”
“Clean plate is a happy plate!”
Try Talking About Food & Nutrition Like This Instead…
“I have had a crazy day and am excited to move my body and give my brain a break”
“That was not my favorite meal, I think I will try something different next time”
“I know your schedule has been very busy lately and I am just checking in to see if you have had time for meals and snacks lately”
“Would like to join me while I walk the dog around the block?”
“I am so excited to swim this summer in my new swimsuit”
NOTHING-making negative comments about our bodies teach our kids they have something physical to work on or complain about
“I am so excited to go to our favorite ice cream place later”
NOTHING- Do not comment on people's weight (especially young people)
Do you like the dessert? Or would you rather have something else? Feel free to grab whatever sounds good to you”
“Would you like any more?” - Let your kid's hunger and fullness cues be the driver of meals times and DO NOT encourage cheat days
“I am really glad you enjoyed the meal!”- If your child is prematurely full, let them cease eating and they always continue later!
Discussing food and nutrition in a positive light will improve our kiddo's relationship with eating and can even begin to change yours for the better! These updated statements can also encourage other family members to be more mindful of their mealtime chatter.
*This blog post was written by our intern Abigail Clemans*
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