There is no doubt that nutritious eating is associated with good health. And since we would all like to see our children grow up to be healthy adults, we are concerned about our children's eating habits. Early eating behavior often doesn't measure up to our idea of good nutrition, however. Young children usually limit their diets to those few foods with which they are familiar. This limits the variety necessary to obtain adequate amounts of the 40+ nutrients needed for health. Also, children eat in response to hunger cues; if they don't feel hungry, they may not be motivated to eat.

What should parents do about this? The answer is hard for a parent to accept - essentially, nothing. Children will eat when they are hungry, and will not starve themselves. They eat more during growth spurts, which can last varying lengths of time. This is why a child's calorie intake can change drastically from month-to-month, or even day-to-day.

Of course, parents must be sure that when children do eat, the foods are nutritious. So while children determine how much they eat, it is the responsibility of their parents to determine what they eat, and how it is prepared.

We must, however, be sure that children do nothing to blunt their hunger prior to mealtime. "Grazing" - continual, unsupervised snacking - can provide just enough calories to stave off hunger and prevent the consumption of healthier foods at mealtime. Fluids can quickly fill a small tummy, so drinking close to meals should be moderated. Healthy snacks should be eaten at least an hour-and-a-half prior to meals.

Children cannot be forced to eat. Attempting to do so can start a battle that parents have no chance of winning. Even if a child can be coerced in some way to eat at the moment, it may create resentments and negative attitudes toward eating that can lead to unhealthy future outcomes. For example, telling a child he or she must eat vegetables before having desert make vegetables "the bad guy" and desert is glamorized as "the reward". A negative association is created with vegetables, and deserts are something viewed in a positive light, because they are used as rewards. Forbidding foods also makes them more attractive. Human nature dictates that things are more appealing if they are restricted, especially among children. All foods can fit into a healthy diet, as long as moderation is applied.

Choose the proper setting for meals and snacks. Distractions that compete for the child’s attention should be avoided or limited whenever possible. Have meals and snacks away from the television; veggies can rarely compete with a favorite TV show. Ditto with other activities. Make sure your child is not eating where other kids can be seen playing. The desire to join the fun and games may convince a child that he or she is no longer hungry.