By Michelle May, M.D.
www.AmIHungry.com
A voice of reason in a society consumed by dieting, weight, food, and eating. Vol. III Issue 6
As parents, we sometimes forget that we are raising adults, not children. The goal is to provide them with the skills and increasing responsibility for managing their lives without our constant vigilance. One key life skill is the ability to navigate our abundant food environment while maintaining optimal health. A voice of reason in a society consumed by dieting, weight, food, and eating. Vol. III Issue 6
Here are seven things that well-meaning parents commonly say that may have unintended consequences—and what to say instead:
- You are such a good eater!
What you could say instead: You must have been really hungry today! Or, I love spending time with you while we have dinner.
- You are such a picky eater!
What you could say instead: I know you didn't like it last time; tell me what you think about it today after you have one polite bite. Or, Did you know your taste buds grow up just like you do? I wonder if you like this big kid food yet?
- Clean your plate; there are starving children in ___________ (third world country).Avoid teaching children scarcity eating behaviors in our abundant food environment.
What you could say instead: It is important not to be wasteful so please only take as much as you think you need. Or, If you're full, we can save the rest for later. - You have to eat all your vegetables or there will be no dessert.Kids are smart. When you bribe them for eating certain foods, they quickly realize those foods must be yucky and that dessert is the reward. They also learn to hold out until a reward is offered.
What you could say instead: I love all kinds of different foods—some that make me healthy and strong and some that are just for fun. What kinds of foods do you like? Or, Enjoy your dinner. We'll be having dessert in a couple of hours. - Eat all your dinner or you don't get dessert.This variation on the threat above translates to "you must overeat so I will reward you by giving you more to eat!" Children naturally love sweet foods so they can learn to override their fullness signals. As an adult they'll order a 1200 calorie salad to earn a 1200 calorie piece of cheesecake.
What you could say instead: Save room for dessert tonight! - I was so bad at lunch today! Now I have to spend an extra hour on the treadmill.Children are born to move. They naturally love exploring their environment, challenging themselves, and playing actively. Unfortunately, the messages they get from adults teaches them that exercise is punishment for eating.
What you could say instead: I ate more than I needed and now I feel too full and uncomfortable. I think a walk would help me feel better. Want to join me? Or, Anybody for a bike ride?! - I am so gross and fat! (Or, I can't believe ________ has let herself go!)Kids learn from us even when we think they aren't listening. Statements like this teach kids that it's OK to put yourself and others down and judge people for their weight or other physical attributes. Perhaps they also secretly wonder what you really think about them.
What you could say instead: I'm not perfect but I do my best to make healthy choices.
And whatever else you say, remember to say often…I love you just the way you are!
Michelle May, M.D. is a recovered yoyo dieter and the award-winning author of Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat. Download a copy of 101 Things to Do Besides Eat at www.AmIHungry.com
Copyright 2010, Michelle May, M.D. All rights reserved. For permission to reprint, email enews@AmIHungry.com
