Family food & healthy eating habits

From purée to family food

From around the first birthday your child can increasingly join family meals. Offer variety in small pieces, season sparingly and let the child explore. Eating together is the best teacher.

Children may choose how much

A proven split: you decide WHAT is offered and WHEN – your child decides WHETHER and HOW MUCH to eat. This prevents power struggles and supports healthy fullness cues. Trust your child's appetite.

New things take patience

Children often need to see a new food ten times or more before accepting it. Keep offering rejected foods without pressure. No force, no reward for finishing – that tends to backfire long term.

Together and screen-free

Family meals without phones or TV support enjoyment, language and bonding. Involve your child in shopping, washing and preparing – those who help eat more curiously. Eat together when you can; it shapes a lifetime.

Sweets and drinks

Water is the best drink – sugary drinks rarely. Sweets need not be banned, but offered consciously and in moderation. Bans often make sweets more interesting; a relaxed, clear approach usually works better.

Be a role model

Children eat what they see modelled. If the family enjoys vegetables, eats with pleasure and is relaxed about food, the child adopts this attitude. You needn't be perfect – your example counts more than any rule.