29/04/2025
"Dessert before dinner?" 🍰 Yes, it's actually pretty common for kids to prefer sweets over the main meal. And honestly, don't we adults feel the same? Sometimes we would prefer that cake which gives us happiness over a nutritious meal. But, how can we guide us (or ourselves) when this becomes a practice or habit already?
1️⃣ Dig Deep: Ask why they would prefer the dessert. Instead of saying "no" upright, you can ask them why and even develop a plan for them to eat the food being served and even the dessert. “Let’s enjoy our meal first, then we’ll have a bit of dessert together.”
2️⃣ Balance is Key: You can explain that meal time fuels our bodies, lets us play, helps us think, and be productive. Avoid labeling foods as “good” or “bad.” Instead, talk about how different foods help us in different ways. Dessert gives us joy and even a little boost!
3️⃣ It's Okay to Say Yes: Maybe you got a win and you deserve that dessert! It is OK, it is all about balance, not restriction. As parents, our own relationship with food matters too—our kids are watching and learning from us every day.
No food is “bad.”, and no need to feel guilty about having dessert! With the right balance, your child can feel both nourished and happy. 🧡
