Supporting Kids in Developing a Healthy Relationship with Food

As children grow, they encounter many influences that shape their perspectives—including their relationship with food. Early experiences with food can have a lasting impact, shaping their attitudes and habits well into adulthood. As parents, we play a key role in fostering a positive food environment. This goes beyond just the meals we provide—it also includes how we talk about food, our reactions to different foods, and the example we set in our own eating habits.

As kids grow, they look up to their parents and learn by watching and listening. They soak up everything around them, just like little sponges! That’s why the way we talk about food matters so much. The way we talk about food and eating plays a big role in shaping their attitudes and behaviors around food as they grow. Using positive and neutral language when discussing food helps create a healthy and balanced perspective that can carry into adulthood.

This means avoiding negative labels for food. Instead of calling foods “good” or “bad,” it’s better to take a more balanced approach where all foods have a place. Labeling foods as “bad” or “unhealthy” can make kids feel guilty when they eat them or create a sense of restriction, leading to overeating when they get the chance. To encourage a healthy mindset, try using words like “always” and “sometimes” to talk about food. For example, we always want to include vegetables in our meals, while cake is something we enjoy sometimes. This way, no food feels off-limits, and kids learn balance without fear or guilt.

Another common mistake parents make is using food as a reward or punishment. This can cause kids to link eating with behavior instead of hunger, making it harder for them to recognize their natural hunger cues. It can also create emotional connections to food—like reaching for ice cream whenever they feel sad because they associate it with comfort. On the other hand, if a certain food is used as punishment, a child may develop a negative relationship with it. Instead of tying food to emotions or behavior, it’s best to encourage a balanced, neutral approach to all foods.

Encouraging your child to finish their meal often comes from a place of love and concern for their well-being. However, this approach can actually do more harm than good. It can interfere with their ability to recognize when they’re truly hungry or full, making it harder for them to develop a healthy relationship with food. It may also turn mealtimes into a stressful experience, and over time, the pressure could cause them to develop a dislike for the very foods you’re hoping they’ll enjoy. Instead, allowing kids to listen to their own hunger and fullness cues helps them build lifelong healthy eating habits.