Snacks should not be used as a reward system

The other day I visited my daughter’s paediatrician and I could not help but notice how different yet so similar we are as parents.

You can imagine how packed the place was after the festivities.

My daughter was among the last to be attended to and so I kept myself busy, secretly studying our similarities and differences as parents and those of our children.

I noted with concern how we as parents are quick to comfort our children with food when they cry, how we use food as a reward or negotiation system and how we allow our children to choose what they want to eat, rather than what we think is right for them.

I observed two kinds of parents: those who had packed healthy snacks from home and those who sought convenience and bought junk on their way in.

Here is the thing: you are either the “junkie parent” or the “healthy parent.”

While running errands, a “junkie parent” will buy junk food like crisps, waffles, fruit gummies, sugar cereals, sausages, fries sweetened drinks, sweets and chocolate, while the “healthy parent” will pack nutritious bitings or meals like carrots, apples, fresh fruit juice and vegetable sandwich among others.

Snacks are a great way to satisfy your child’s hunger between meals. They also help prevent them from overeating during meals.

They are a great way of helping your child get many of the important nutrients they need while growing.

However, snacks should not be used as a reward or negotiation system. When this happens, the parent will most likely give junk food and the child is likely to overeat.

Children learn fast through observation and emulation, they will pick a habit that is practised by those they see as the authority.

Teaching children to eat healthier foods involves more than just telling them what to eat. They think everything their parents do is right. If you buy them junk foods every time you go out, they will grow up knowing that these are good foods to consume.

As a parent you will need to eat healthy for your child to emulate.

Snacks are important for children because their bodies are growing and they have small stomachs. They require smaller snacks in between meals to satisfy their hunger.

When making these snacks, ensure you have foods from at least two groups.

Snack time is a perfect time to get another serving of vegetable, fruit or calcium.

Most children will get enough carbohydrates and proteins during the main meals. Make your child’s snack at home. Your options will be limited should you choose to buy.

So instead of the crackers, crisps, waffles etc, go for Classic Ants on a Log.

Spread one tablespoon of peanut butter on celery sticks to make the “log” and top with raisins to make the “ants.”

Pack a hard-boiled egg, cereals mixed with yoghurt, vegetable sticks and fresh fruits.

Faith Kariuki is a mother and a nutrition and wellness consultant at Afya Bora Nutrition & Wellness Centre. Suite 16, 5th Avenue Office Suites along 5th Ngong Avenue, Nairobi.