PW invited parents from Chennai to share their thoughts on how they inculcate healthy eating habits in their children

“My children — Abhay (class IX) and Ajay (class IV) — are fortunate to have developed healthy eating habits in early childhood. When my children were at an impressionable age, I engaged in the power of storytelling to explain the benefits of eating healthy. Convincing them about the adverse effects of junk food and their harmful effects was far from difficult. Hot and healthy homemade meals are routine in our household so much so that our children look forward to them. Adding a touch of colour and presenting food differently always helps” — Bhuvaneshwari Prabhahar, software engineer at Viasat India

“One way of encouraging my daughter Sai (class I) to eat healthy is by serving her meals creatively. She eats chapati without any fuss when it is served in different geometric forms such as triangles, circles, oval, and square. Additionally, I teach her about the natural ingredients of every meal and how they positively impact her bones, muscles and hair. This approach not only fosters a positive relationship with nutritious food but also educates a child about its contribution to overall well-being”
— Latha Sudheer Kumar, homemaker

“Regular conversations with my daughter Reya (class IV) about different food groups and their importance in maintaining a balanced diet has helped develop healthy eating habits. Being a positive role model has also been crucial. Incorporating critical nutrients in our meals has become a family habit. I also keep a variety of healthy options available at home and limit the presence of junk food. By creating a healthy eating environment and leading by example, I have set the foundation for lifelong healthy habits in my child” — Hema Dhanraj, yoga trainer

“Over the years, I have tried to blend flavour and nourishment into home cooking while providing my children — Shubhansh (class IV) and Tanshika (class I) with the essential nutrients they need for healthy physical growth and development. My patience and persistence have paid off. By exposing my children to a variety of nutritious options early on and by empowering them to make their own nutrition choices, I not only encourage independent behaviour but also instill a positive relationship with wholesome food” — Bhawini Chaturvedi, senior executive, HCL Technologies, Chennai.

Also read: Ensuring children eat healthy meals