bellyHood.com | a mother's social network.

The Number one thing to remember is that children have small stomachs and so generally have three meals a day plus two snack times as they tend to eat less food but more often.

Some tips to try and get finicky eaters to eat:

Try and have consistency with meal times. That is similar eating and snacking times, sitting in a particular chair and so on. Routine is so important in a childs life. That doesn't mean that you have to be rigid or fanatical, occasionally a break in routine is healthy but just be prepared for the repercussions. As long as you know there are some then you won't be disappointed.

Involve them as much as possible. If your finicky eater is the same as most then he or she will look at something and immediately refuse it if it does not look like what they think looks "normal."You will have a better chance of them tasting it if they have had some involvement in the preparation of the meal. They may not eat a lot of it but they will have a go, which is something positive.

To avoid filling up on snacks before dinner time have an early dinner at around 5pm and limit drinks to plain water until after dinner time. This will also prevent them filling up on liquid.

Try to substitute some food within the food groups that your child might like for instance they may not like green beans but like peas. Or try a little smorgasboard of different foods for example, banana, apple, grapes, brocolli, snap peas, wholemeal bread, ham or chicken, cheese and then maybe followed by a yoghurt. He will have a variety and so has something of everything. Just an assortment not too many as that may confuse them.

Try not to bribe them. This is something that most parents will struggle with but it is not good all round and only teaches bad habits.

Meal times should be about eating together as a family. This is where family can discuss their day be a part of each other and the emphasis is then not so much on the food but being together. Being a part of a group is so important to kids.

For more information visit http://foodie-annieg.blogspot.com/

Article Directory: http://www.articlerich.com

Back to Top

TO VACCINATE OR NOT TO VACCINATE?

by Pat Brill

The question that crosses over parents mind is "should we vaccinate our children or shouldn't we?" The problem is that there is so much controversy surrounding whether vaccinations are safe or not, a parent can find themselves wondering whether vaccinations are a gift from God or the devil in disguise. So which is it? The answer isn't always simple.

Are Vaccinations Dangerous?

Many times, when parents begin to listen to the controversies surrounding childhood vaccinations, they start to question whether or not vaccinations are safe for their children. Before you decide that vaccinations are dangerous due to the risk of side effects, ask yourself about the medications you've given your child. Does the fever reducing pill have potential side effects? The fact of the matter is that any medication has a potential for side effects � vaccinations are no different.

The Possibility of Side Effects

So now that we agree that the possibility of side effects doesn't necessarily make vaccinations dangerous, we need to look at why so many people are afraid to give vaccinations to their children. In the news they are stating that there have been some incidences of severe side effects being traced back to vaccinations. Check with your doctor to make sure the vaccines of today are safer than the vaccines of yesteryear.

Do The Benefits Outweigh the Risks?

While it is true that vaccinations do have potential side effects though oftentimes the risks associated with contracting the disease the vaccination prevents are much, much worse. Because of this, vaccinations are highly recommended by the majority of healthcare professionals.

On the other hand, it is possible to have too much of a good thing and many parents feel that the risks of some vaccines are worse than the risks of the actual disease being vaccinated against. In these instances, parents are choosing to limit the vaccines their children receive.

Making Informed and Educated Decisions

As you can see, the decision whether or not to vaccinate your child isn't a case of black and white. When it comes down to it, which vaccinations are given to your child is a decision that needs to be made by you and your child's pediatrician. As with any medication, you'll want to address the risks of each and every vaccine available and you'll want to compare those risks to the benefits of the vaccine. Only then can you make an informed decision regarding whether or not to give your child any specific vaccination.

About the Author

Pat Brill is co-founder of http://www.SilkBow.com which supports Busy Moms with free gift ideas and helpful tips to meet the challenges of motherhood. SilkBow is the perfect place for the perfect gift. Pat can be reached directly at: pat@SilkBow.com

� Read more articles by Pat Brill

	or Cancel
Remember my choice