Expert Advice for GradeSchool
My Grade School aged daughter has become obsessed with food. She wants to eat much too frequently and primarily un-healthy snacks. If I allow her to pack her lunch for school, she takes 100 more than she needs. Also, I have been finding her sneaking foods. She is slightly overweight and I don't want her to become obese. But, I don't want her to go the other direction and develop an opposite eating problem. What should I do?
- Pat, Berrien Center, MI
Debbie Drown, Educator, Principal, says:
As always, it is always a good precaution to consult your pediatrician to rule out any physical and/or emotional issues that may be causing the issue.
But, having ruled out physical or emotional issues, helping your daughter to understand healthy eating choices and options may be a good place to start. Here are some suggestions:
- Don't buy items for the pantry or refrigerator that you don't want your daughter to eat. Stock the fridge, pantry and fruit bowl with healthy snacks. If she continues to try to sneak food, the only options will be healthy ones.
- Explain that some foods are for when you're hungry and others are for treats. For example, an apple or grapes are for when you're hungry, fruit snacks are for a treat.
- Plan a menu for each day that includes what will be eaten throughout the day including breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and desserts. Give her some choices, but make all the choices good ones. Model good eating habits by planning your menu, too.
- Be sure to reward good eating habits by including some treats when the daily diet has been a healthy one.
