I recently read a book called French Kids Eat Everything. It was a fun read about a young family(half Canadian, half French) who travelled to France to live for a year. During their journey to settle into French society, the author and mom of two realizes her children have less than ideal eating habits as compared to their French peers. She begins to learn, adapt and try to get her kids to eat the way French kids do. Through her observations, she compiles 10 “rules” for eating within the context of French food culture.
While I don’t necessarily agree with all the “rules” outlined, many were intriguing and I really resonated with the first one…it’s a parents responsibility to teach their children about food…a food education. Easier said than done, maybe…but I think it’s an imperative tool to get kids eating well. After reading this book it got me thinking about what I am teaching my children about food and how my influences at home are cultivating their food education. So here are 5 things I am teaching my children about food(they are currently 6yrs and 23 months old).
- How food is used by the human body
For example I talk with my kids about Protein, what types of food fall into this category and what protein does for their body. Likewise for the other macronutrients Fat and Carbohydrates. Growing up I was accustomed to seeing the Canada Food Guide with its visuals of “Food Groups”, thankfully this guide has been updated since then. I also have a clearer understanding of the types of foods required to nourish the human body, Protein + Fat + Carbohydrates. My goal is to make food education relatable and understandable according to my children’s age. I also want to enable my children to recognize foods in the real world for how they can nourish and support their body and overall health. Referring to foods as “healthy” or “unhealthy” is something I intentionally avoid because I believe it enables a restrictive mindset for kids rating foods as bad vs good. Instead I encourage understanding foods based on what they provide, like strength, brain power or energy. And in terms of treats and sweets, they fit into the category of fun. While sugar isn’t a beneficial type of food from a nutrient value, it sure does bring joy and there is always room for joy in my kitchen.
- Trying new foods can be fun
I know for some kids trying new foods is intimidating, even scary. But trying new foods not only helps expand the nutrients children get from their diet, but also makes eating more enjoyable because they have less limitations of what they eat. One of my children is more timid with this, so anytime she tries a new food and likes it I reinforce that trying new foods can be FUN and she may find a new favourite food.
- Listen to their Body
This is one of the most valuable tools in learning to eat and enjoy food. Understanding our own body and when it is hungry vs full(hunger hormones Leptin & Ghrelin are very useful messengers) is not only an important tool for health reasons but for truly being able to enjoy food. Afterall, food is meant to be enjoyed, not just for fuel. I often ask my kids if their tummy feels happy after they have eaten.
- It’s ok to have individual preferences
Just because someone else eats a certain food differently than you does not make it wrong. Maybe unusual, but not wrong…just different. Different is not bad and teaching empathy around how others eat food is a good social skill. And on the topic of skills, we also are learning manners and how to eat at the table with others. This is part of the reason I often serve food family style and why eating together is such a great opportunity to provide education to children. If we don’t teach them, who will?
- Where food comes from
The other day I served a whole roast chicken for dinner at the table right in front of my 6 year old and she said “is this from a REAL chicken??”. Of course my answer was yes and she asked nothing further, but to see that she was putting together in her head where food comes from was really interesting. If kids don’t see where their food comes from, how do they truly understand food? If a child never sees how beans or tomatoes are grown, do they ever learn to appreciate the hard work and sacrifices that go into growing them? Will they learn to appreciate farmers and understand the importance of not wasting food? Possibly, I am certainly going to try.
I am always learning about food, I’ll be a lifelong student no doubt. These are my current adventures in food education, which will adapt and grow as my kids and I do too!
What things are your children learning about food or already know?
Xx Meg
