Your kids don't need you to regulate their eating

They can do it on their own. They were born intuitive eaters, we all were. Somewhere along the line our society taught us not to trust our bodies, and that's not working so well. Let's not steal that innocence from our children anymore.

Here's what your children DO need from you:

• Regular, predictable meal and snack times. This reassures them that there will be food available, thus eliminating the need to eat excessively now.
• An age-appropriate selection of food offered. You are not a short order cook. You choose what to serve. 
• A variety of food to choose from. This includes sweets, protein rich foods, fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and so on. They will naturally get the balance they need when over the long-term you offer all types of food.
• The freedom to choose what to eat from what was offered, and how much of it they want to eat.
• The right to refuse food if they aren't hungry at that time. However, based on the meal/snack schedule their next opportunity is at the scheduled time. 
• Role modeling from you and your relationship with food. They need to see you relaxed, flexible, and honoring your body's signals. 

For more information on the parent-child feeding relationship, check out Ellyn Satter's website, books and newsletters.