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Talking Tummies
What Does Hungry Feel Like?
By Teri Brown
O'Shea says that while children generally know when and when not to eat based on their hunger, they may not know exactly what to eat. That's our job. Parents also need to be aware of the many external food cues that affect children from a very early age. She believes that parents should monitor what types of foods kids request and the activities they were doing when the request came in. For instance, children often want what they see on TV and may request a certain snack they just saw promoted on a commercial. This can create cues the child isn't even aware of.
It's important to have a few healthy food options available to offer to children when they say they are hungry. "A child who truly is hungry will eat," O'Shea says. "One who is bored or having an emotional response may pass it up or request a different food. Requesting candy or cookies may be a good indication of emotional hunger."
Because children learn many of their eating habits from their parents, one of the most important and critical ways a parent can teach their children good habits is to avoid snacking for the wrong reasons themselves.
O'Shea suggests that we help children separate food from activities by passing time in other ways besides eating. For instance, if you have to pass some time while your car is being serviced, don't go to the nearest fast-food establishment for a snack. Instead, take a walk, play a game or undertake some other activity. We should also work hard to avoid giving out food as a reward or for comfort. A hug and a kiss after a child hurts himself are preferable to a piece of cake. Offering cookies and milk if they do their chores quickly will only teach that food is a reward for good behavior.