It can be challenging to get your 12-year-old to eat. As kids get older, their eating habits often start to change, and it can be difficult to get them to try new foods or eat enough to stay healthy. However, there are steps you can take to make sure your kid is getting enough nutritious meals.
Contents
Create a Meal Plan
The best way to ensure your 12-year-old is getting the nutrients they need is to create a meal plan. This plan should include a variety of food groups, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and protein. The plan should also include snacks, as well as meals that are easy to prepare. Meal planning can be a great way to ensure your kid is getting the nutrients they need, and to help them create healthy eating habits.
Involve Your Child in Meal Preparation
Involving your 12-year-old in the meal preparation process can be a great way to encourage their interest in food. Letting them pick out recipes, helping you prepare meals, or even just setting the table can be fun and engaging. This can also be an opportunity to teach them about nutrition and healthy eating.
Set an Example
As a parent, you can set an example of healthy eating habits for your 12-year-old. You should aim to eat a balanced diet, including a variety of nutrient-rich foods, and limit processed and sugary snacks. By setting an example of healthy eating, you can help your child to make better food choices.
Provide Healthy Snacks
Having healthy snacks available can be a great way to help your 12-year-old get the nutrients they need. Instead of reaching for sugary snacks, provide your child with nutritious options, such as nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. You can also look for healthy packaged snacks, such as granola bars or trail mix.
Make Mealtime Fun
Mealtime can be a great opportunity for family bonding. Making the mealtime experience fun and enjoyable can help to get your 12-year-old more excited about eating. You can try playing music or having family conversations while eating. You can also try to make meals more visually appealing by adding fresh herbs or garnishes.
Limit Screen Time
Having too much screen time can be a major distraction at mealtime. Try to limit the amount of time your 12-year-old is spending in front of screens and encourage them to focus on their meals. This will help them to stay engaged and be more mindful of what they are eating.
Be Patient
It’s important to be patient when it comes to getting your 12-year-old to eat. It can take time and patience to find the right balance of healthy eating and enjoyable meals. Don’t be too hard on your child if they don’t immediately take to new foods or if they don’t seem interested in eating. Just keep trying different strategies and eventually, you’ll find something that works for both of you.
Getting your 12-year-old to eat can be a challenge, but there are steps you can take to make it easier. Creating a meal plan, involving your child in meal preparation, providing healthy snacks, setting an example, making mealtime fun, and limiting screen time can all help to encourage healthy eating habits. Just remember to be patient and be willing to try different strategies until you find something that works.