In our junk food world where processed, high-sugar foods are right up front at the supermarket, it can be challenging to raise kids who prefer healthy options. It’s not impossible, however. Here are some tips that might help.

1. Start super young – Like many things, good habits are started as young as possible. Once you begin introducing baby food to your child, introduce lots of variety, including plenty of vegetables. Kids are usually more receptive to fruit because its sweet, but you’ve got to get lots of greens in there too so they won’t be disappointed when they eat the big kid stuff.

2. Introduce multiple times – Children might resist a new flavor the first time, second time, and third time, but studies show they need multiple introductions just to fight off the “it’s new” resistance – sometimes as many as fifteen tries. Don’t give up on a flavor because your child refused it once.

3. Set a good example – “Do as I say, not as I do” has never worked. Kids will nod and smile while you lecture and then mimic your every behavior. If you expect your children to eat broccoli, there better be a big helping on your plate too.

4. Make eating healthy normal – Eating healthy shouldn’t be something you do every now-and-then, or when mom or dad has put on a few pounds. Eating healthy should be an everyday affair and every meal should be constructed with that in mind. Have open conversations about what to eat and why you’re eating it.

5. Have your kids involved in the process – When a child is given some control over something new, they are more likely to adopt it. By involving them in the shopping, buying, and cooking process, you’re giving them “ownership.” They might not like peas, but they will be more inclined to eat their peas – the peas they picked out at the store and helped prepare.

6. Keep junk food out of the house – The easiest time to say no to unhealthy foods is at the supermarket (as long as you aren’t hungry). Don’t buy boxes of cookies, crackers, candy and pastries for munching or your kids will learn to prefer those items. If the only snack available is vegetables and fruit, they’ll turn to those when they’re older.

7. Allow the occasional indulgence – If you prevent your kids from ever eating something unhealthy, you’ll create a taboo around those foods and your kids will indulge when you aren’t around. They’ll just binge on bad foods at school or when they’re with their friends. Accept that some unhealthy foods are good for one’s quality of life, but keep everything in moderation. 

Written by Alicia Overby - Founder & President of Baby Elephant Ears

Alicia is wife, mother, and creator of Baby Elephant Ears. Baby Elephant Ears was created out of parental concern, not financial desire. In 2005, when their second child was an infant, he cried all the time and just couldn't seem to get comfortable.

After seeking advice and suggestion from the medical community and alternative medicine, they eventually ended up in the chiropractors office where their baby was successfully treated for asubluxation, discomfort most likely the result of the strain during labor, which was now being exacerbated by the normal lack of infant neck strength. Only proper neck, head, and back alignment would offer him relief. When they couldn't find a product to give their baby the necessary support, Alicia took matters into her own hands and crafted her own infant support pillow. The first Baby Elephant Ears was born!

For more information, visit www.babyelephantears.com.

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