Just like feelings, food is neither good, nor bad. It is just fuel. As a mother, psychologist, and parent of a competitive gymnast, I am well aware of the dangers of instilling unhealthy eating attitudes in others, especially children. When I think back to so many of my clients who have struggled with eating disorders, unhealthy attitudes and beliefs about food (and bodies) often were passed onto them. It was modeled to them by their parents, teachers, coaches, or other “well-meaning” adults. Can of you relate to this?
Our job as parents is to teach our children to have a healthier relationship with food and it starts with us. When my husband and I were new parents, I became more sensitive to attitudes and behaviors about food. Well-meaning adults, including coaches, tried to instill healthy eating in our young daughter, but instead, these people “shamed” my daughter and her peers for the food that they were eating. Folks. This was not okay and we made sure our daughter grasped this very well. Please check out my 15 Tips to Help Children Develop Healthier Attitudes and Behaviors about Food
What are your thoughts about how to instill healthier eating attitudes and behaviors in children? What food attitudes and behaviors were passed on and modeled to you? Thanks for reading.
I hope to see you back here next time.
With gratitude and kindness,
Kerry
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