Why parents should involve children in meal planning — Paediatricians

To guarantee that children obtain sufficient nutrition and cultivate an interest in healthy eating, child health specialists have encouraged parents to engage their children in the processes of meal planning and preparation.

They emphasized that adequate nutrition during childhood is crucial for growth, cognitive development, and overall well-being, noting that when children participate in choosing and preparing meals, they are more inclined to consume a balanced diet that is rich in essential nutrients.

The pediatricians further recommended that parents involve their children by permitting them to assist in selecting groceries or helping with meal preparation.

Additionally, the experts advised parents to foster a positive mealtime atmosphere free from distractions, provide a variety of foods, and establish regular meal and snack times as effective strategies.

They cautioned parents against compelling children to eat or creating negative associations with food, clarifying that such behaviors can be counterproductive and may deter children from meeting their daily dietary needs.

They promote the creation of an interactive and enjoyable mealtime environment where children anticipate meals and connect food with positive experiences.

Inadequate nutrition and poor feeding practices in children can result in malnutrition, weakened immunity, impaired brain development, stunted growth, and diminished academic performance.

It may also influence children’s mood, behavior, and concentration.

The United Nations Children’s Fund asserts that children require the appropriate foods at the appropriate times to grow and develop to their fullest potential.

Research findings from various studies indicate that involving children in meal preparation not only encourages them to eat more but also enhances their vegetable consumption.

Akodu also underscored the significance of interactive mealtimes through dialogue and social interaction, while cautioning against the imposition of food, which may lead to negative associations, and promoting the importance of children recognizing their hunger and satiety signals.

"Make mealtime engaging: Involve children in discussions and foster social interaction. Refrain from imposing food: Avoid compelling children to consume certain foods, as this may result in adverse associations. Pay attention to hunger and satiety signals: Motivate children to heed their bodily cues," he recommended.

He cautioned that children who do not receive adequate nutrition are susceptible to malnutrition and deficiencies, fatigue, diminished energy, poor focus, and an elevated risk of health issues.

Akodu advised caregivers to offer meals that are appropriate for their children's age and activity level.

Additionally, Professor Ben Onankpa, a specialist in Paediatrics, stressed the critical nature of proper nutrition for children.

The academic from Usmanu Danfodiyo University indicated that infants should be fed on demand, ranging from eight to twelve times daily, with solid foods being introduced between six and twelve months of age.

He further encouraged parents to create balanced meals that encompass suitable portions of carbohydrates, proteins, vegetables, healthy fats, and fruits, integrating traditional Nigerian dishes such as rice, yams, plantains, beans, fish, and leafy greens.

Onankpa emphasized that a diverse diet is essential to ensure that children receive adequate vitamins and minerals necessary for their growth and development.