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Children 10–18 years

Aim for consistency in children’s feeding regimes

family at the marketResearch shows that while two parent families outnumber single parent families by 2:1 there are still around 300,000 parents in NZ raising their children alone.

Fathers are playing a greater role in their children’s feeding and also children maybe minded by other extended family members through out the day.

To ensure that the child receives adequate nutrition consistency in share care relationships will ultimately make life a lot easier for you all.This is particularly important if children are on special diets such as in the case of children with diabetes, obesity or allergies and intolerances.

As we head towards Christmas it is not only adults that are being exposed to more partying. Children also get invitations to birthday and end of year parties and sleep over’s.
These times can add extra pressure for parents to provide more ‘treat’ type foods when they maybe also trying to prioritise healthy eating on a budget.

Here are some guidelines to help:

  • If you are separated then discuss with your partner and their family what you are aiming to achieve and aim for consistency in your child’s feeding regime.
  • Try to plan a seven day menu as this will aid shopping and lead to a more balanced food intake for you and the child.
  • Remember to allow for lunch items when you do the shopping so that you have everything you need on hand in the morning when you are making lunches..
  • Involve the child in grocery shopping and easy meal preparation.
  • Offering a choice of two different things e.g. peas or carrots, marmite or peanut butter encourages their input without the need to offer a whole menu.
  • Try to have some pre-prepared meals in your pantry or freezer for nights when you may be running late and the children are tired and hungry. This is often healthier, cheaper and quicker to put together rather than takeaways when you are in a hurry. This is also a great time to use up leftovers you may have in the freezer
  • When you do have treat meals, enjoy them as a family for special occasions rather than the norm.
  • Sit together and eat as a family as often as possible.
  • Exercise regularly with your children and try to make time for play.
  • Role model good eating habits and behaviour to your children at family meal times by serving yourself the same healthy foods that you serve them.

About the author View all

Lea Stening

Lea is one of New Zealand’s leading paediatric dietitians and also specialises in Sports Nutrition. She has specialised in Paediatric Nutrition for 31 years and in 1985 was the first paediatric dietitian to enter private practice in New Zealand. Lea helps families through her private consultations, public lectures, newspaper and magazine articles as well as television and radio interviews. Read more »

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