The below comes from a lecture I had in graduate school and a book we were assigned to read – “Fearless Feeding” by Jill Castle – and stems from brilliant research completed in the 1920’s by pediatrician Clara Davis. It still ranks up there as one of the most interesting talks and effective books I’ve read, and I still gift it to friends who are new parents and love me enough to know I’m not trying to insult them. Here are the three feeding styles Castle identifies:
<h3>Parent Feeding Styles:</h3>
&#8211; Authoritarian: This style focuses on what the parent thinks is best with little regard for what the child may want or need. This is often associated with “clean your plate” language and making dessert a treat when the child finishes dinner. This style can lead children to lose the ability know when and if they’re hungry leading to overeating at meals. Conversely, children may also refuse to eat or eat less due to the pressure from the parent. 
&#8211; Permissive: This style centers on parents who provide little structure or guidelines for kids. They are often the “Yes” parent. This style can result in children who eat little nutrient dense foods and a lot of calorically dense less healthful foods resulting in struggles with weight in their youth and adulthood. 
&#8211; Authoritative: This style emphasizes parents who set boundaries and limits around foods and mealtime, while maintaining a loving tone. This style is most effective for preventing childhood obesity.

TB12™ Sweet Variety Pack

It&#8217;s important to remember that as the parents, you decide what&#8217;s being served, when it&#8217;s being served, and where it&#8217;s being served. Your child&#8217;s responsibility is to decide how much they want to serve, if they want any at all. No matter what you identify as your feeding style, this is a crucial boundary to establish when developing this relationship with your children. Below are more of my favorite tips and tricks for raising healthy eaters

For more healthy tips for both parents and kids, check out t<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tb12-kids-webinar-tickets-103734456552">he TB12 Webinar Series</a> on Friday May 1st at 12 PM EST for a special session! Join our Nutritionist, Tiffany Chag, to learn about our approach to raising healthy eaters, and have your kids get in on the fun with a 20 minute workout with two of our Body Coaches, Anthony &amp; Nick Poli. We will end the webinar with a Q&amp;A, so come prepared with any challenges you’re facing right now, and remember — eating right and moving our bodies can be fun!

Our Tips for Raising Kids to be Healthy Eaters

TB12™ Sweet Variety Pack

Serve Healthy Foods Regularly

Be a Role Model

Eat as a Family

Stick to a Schedule

Keep Familiar Foods Around

Be Adventurous

Let them Cook

Don't Avoid Dessert

Don't be Afraid to Close the Kitchen

Try New Foods

You might also Like