How to Get Your Kid to Eat, But Not Too Much by Ellyn Satter - Essay Example

'How to Get Your Kid to Eat, But Not Too Much by Ellyn Satter' is a worthy example of a paper on food and nutrition. As a well-renowned food nutritionist, Satter has dedicated her time to educate young parents on how to relate to their children’s eating habits. It may seem farfetched, but some of her books have helped parents cope with their children’s eating tendencies. One of her books, How to Get Your Kid to Eat, But Not Too Much, has received attention from a majority of dieticians and pediatricians. Many of them claim that it is a complete guide to a knowledge of how to treat a child during meals. They also talk about how it is a guide to accepting some of the difficulties that children undergo when it comes to their eating habits. Satter cautions parents on fighting with their children over how, and what to eat (Satter 97). This paper will examine some of the approaches Satter uses, and the perspectives such a book may create on any party interested.

            In the first few chapters of the book, Satter gives the reader a little time to think of what their children are like. She gives them time to think of what they do with their children when it comes to meals, and what they think is healthy for their children. As parents, one is always anxious about what is the right food for their child. The problem with this line of thought is that, what one might see as healthy, may not be so for another. Satter, therefore, insists on nutritious eating habits (Satter 156). They teach a child to grow up behaving in a dignified manner when meals and foods are concerned.

            One approach the author addresses is the division of responsibility. In this course of action, Satter urges parents to worry about their children’s picky eating habits not to fuss. Deciding what to eat should be the child’s prerogative. By all family members having the same meal, it becomes impossible for the child to choose what to eat. Many parents think that when they cook individual meals for their children they are helping them. She cautions parents against taking such actions (Satter 174). It only serves the children by making them inadvertently picky, whenever they want to eat.

            Such philosophies as ascribed by the author offer the parent more comfort in knowing their children have healthful eating habits. In the modern-day, such philosophies can help families eat healthily, and enjoy mealtimes. Introducing different foods into the menu can be tricky especially for families with young children. This can cause a lack of interest when it comes down to taking meals, hence; the development of poor eating habits (Satter 199). Healthy relationships can be adopted based on these philosophies enabling families to have better tendencies with regards to meals and different foodstuffs.

            These chapters offer new perspectives on how to relate to wholesome eating habits. People often believe that forcing children to eat differently makes them better. This is during their childhood and the transition into adulthood.  However, this assumption is wrong as these tendencies grow in individuals and they go from being picky children, into picky adults. People need to grow understanding the concept of healthy living. As times continue to change, it is becoming harder for working parents to provide the right food for their children. This, however, should not be the reason why children grow up obese or picking specific foods. It is time parents start establishing an exceptional foundation with their children when it comes to food. This makes them grow up with definite customs as to what concerns healthy living (Satter 214).

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