Our toddlers are our angels. Therefore, inculcating the right habits in them, especially when it comes to eating, goes a long way in shaping the child’s early life. However, despite our best efforts, sometimes we make the wrong choices when trying to form healthy eating habits in our toddlers.
This isn’t because of carelessness. On the contrary, being too careful leads to some of these mistakes.
Let’s take a look at 7 common mistakes that parents make while inculcating eating habits in their toddlers
- Setting a poor example: Our toddlers are always observing, and always absorbing. Even when you might not realize it. For example, when a toddler sees you eat peanut butter jelly sandwich, they subconsciously start wanting one too. So eat right, to inspire right.
- Bribing a toddler’s good behavior with junk food: You might be tempted to say that if you sleep well this afternoon, I will give you a piece of cake later. This might sound like a harmless tactic, but not for a toddler’s developing brain. They will start expecting rewards for any little ‘task’ that they carry out, and will end up developing a taste for junk food at a young age.
- Pressurizing your child: Trying too hard to convince your child by being forceful is a harmful technique of parenting. Encourage your child to see the benefits of eating. Thus, the need for ‘forcing every spoon’ becomes unrequired and your child chooses the right without you getting hassled.
- Introducing new food items: When you try something new for your toddler’s diet, don’t give up on it as soon as they reject it the first time. Don’t force your child but place the meal in front of them every day and explain to them how important it is that they grow up to be strong and healthy.
- Serving lots at once: Serving a little extra over the course of time is a good strategy to build up your toddler’s appetite. However, serving more than your child can handle every single time is not healthy. First of all, your child will start thinking it’s okay to waste food. Secondly, the child may get used to eating more than they require.
- Ready-made juices: Tetra pack juices are a go-to for many parents with toddlers who are looking to make up for a child’s nutrients in their diets. However, these juices do more harm than good. If your toddler does like juice, squeeze some fresh juice for them every week that could last the entire week.
- Too much worrying: Just like we explained in the introduction of this blog, many parenting mistakes with respect to toddlers occur simply due to the parents worrying too much. Take it easy. Do the right things, and develop the right habits for yourselves as parents. They will grow up fine as long as you don’t over-parent.
There you have it, 7 everyday mistakes that parents make while inculcating eating habits in their toddlers. MamyPoko Pants is an expert in baby care, and has all the answers you need regarding raising your toddlers in a healthy and safe way. If you have any more doubts about your toddler, feel free to write to us.
FAQ's
Q. Why is setting a good example important for toddlers’ eating habits?
Ans.Toddlers constantly observe and imitate their parents. If they see you eating nutritious meals, they are more likely to copy and enjoy the same foods. Parents who demonstrate healthy choices, like eating fruits and vegetables, indirectly encourage toddlers to adopt balanced eating habits early in life.
Q. Is it harmful to bribe toddlers with junk food?
Ans.Yes, bribing toddlers with cakes, chocolates, or chips can be harmful. It creates the wrong association that junk food is a reward for good behavior. Over time, toddlers may develop a preference for unhealthy foods and expect rewards for basic tasks, which disrupts healthy eating patterns.
Q. How does pressuring a toddler to eat affect them?
Ans.Pressuring toddlers to eat often leads to resistance rather than cooperation. Instead of enjoying food, they may see mealtime as stressful. A gentle and encouraging approach works better. Presenting food positively and explaining its benefits helps toddlers make healthier choices willingly, without feeling forced or controlled.
Q. What should parents do if toddlers reject new foods?
Ans.Toddlers often refuse new foods at first, but consistency is key. Parents should introduce small portions repeatedly without force. Gradual exposure, combined with explaining how the food helps them grow strong and healthy, builds acceptance. Patience and persistence ensure that toddlers eventually include new foods in their diet.
Q. Why should parents avoid serving large portions to toddlers?
Ans.Serving too much food can overwhelm toddlers and encourage wastefulness. They may also develop a habit of overeating. Offering small portions and allowing them to ask for more if hungry is a healthier approach. This method teaches portion control and prevents children from associating meals with excess.
Q. Are packaged juices safe for toddlers?
Ans.Ready-made or tetra pack juices often contain added sugars and preservatives that aren’t healthy for toddlers. Instead, parents should opt for freshly squeezed juices with no added sugar. Natural juices not only taste better but also provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber needed for a child’s growth.
Q. Can worrying too much about a toddler’s eating habits cause problems?
Ans.Yes, excessive worrying often leads to over-parenting, which can stress both toddlers and parents. Mealtime should be calm and enjoyable. By staying relaxed and modeling good habits, parents create a positive food environment. Toddlers eventually learn to eat well when not pressured by unnecessary parental anxiety.
Q. How can parents build healthy eating habits without stress?
Ans.Parents should focus on balance, consistency, and patience. Encourage toddlers with praise, offer small portions, avoid bribing, and serve fresh meals creatively. Eating together as a family and setting positive examples also help. A stress-free mealtime routine ensures children associate food with comfort, not conflict or pressure.
Q. What role does parental patience play in toddlers’ eating behavior?
Ans.Patience is essential because toddlers need time to adjust to new foods and habits. Parents should avoid rushing the process or expecting instant results. Calmly repeating healthy routines, modeling good eating, and showing encouragement foster positive habits that last long-term, without creating resistance or negative associations with food.
Q. How can parents avoid common feeding mistakes with toddlers?
Ans.Parents can avoid mistakes by setting healthy examples, serving the right portions, avoiding bribes, and keeping meals stress-free. Choosing fresh foods over packaged options, introducing new meals gradually, and not worrying excessively help create a balanced environment. With these mindful steps, toddlers develop healthy eating patterns naturally.
