I recently saw an advertisement which showed a large picture of a sad looking child’s face. Above the child’s head were the words, “Wipe that ‘I hate fractions’ look off his face in less than 15 minutes” and at the bottom of the page, was a recipe for chocolate chip cookies. The message behind that advertisement, that parents should offer cookies or food in general to cheer up a child having trouble with schoolwork, is one of the major reasons many children and adults have a dysfunctional relationship with food.
Eating should be an enjoyable experience but only used to solve hunger-related problems. More and more, people eat to solve emotion-related problems, such as boredom, sadness, anger, worry, etc. Encourage your child to listen to their body and how it feels when it is hungry or full. They should eat slowly at meals and stop eating at the point when they think they may be getting full. Teach your child the apple test – if your child asks for food at a time when you think they may not be hungry, offer them an apple. Often, they will not be interested in the apple if they are not truly hungry. Also, parents should avoid using food as a reward or treat. Doing so teaches children that food is a solution for more than hunger.
The next time you see the “I hate fractions” look on your child’s face, be a positive influence on your child and their relationship with food. Offer to help with their math homework, give a few words of encouragement, or pull them in for a reassuring hug. Everyone will benefit.