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Building Healthy Relationships with Food

The foundation for a lifetime of healthy eating habits

Published . Last updated .2 min read

It Starts with You: Modeling Behavior

Your relationship with food has a powerful influence on your child. They are watching how you talk about food, how you talk about your own body, and the emotions you associate with eating. The most effective way to raise a competent, happy eater is to be one yourself.

  • Eat a variety of foods: Let your child see you enjoying a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods.
  • Avoid negative self-talk: Refrain from talking about dieting, feeling "fat," or labeling foods as "good" or "bad" in front of your child. All foods can fit into a healthy diet.
  • Enjoy food: Show that food is a source of pleasure, culture, and connection, not just fuel.
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The Language of Food: Dos and Don'ts

The words we use around food matter. Using neutral, descriptive language helps children develop their own preferences without judgment.

Do: Use Neutral Language

  • "Broccoli is crunchy and green."
  • "This yogurt is smooth and tangy."
  • "Let's listen to our tummies."
  • "All foods give us energy to play."

Don't: Use Moralizing Language

  • "Vegetables are 'good', cookies are 'bad'."
  • "You have to eat your dinner to get a 'treat'."
  • "Don't eat that, it will make you fat."
  • "You're a good boy for cleaning your plate."

Key Principles for a Healthy Food Environment

  • Involve them in the process: Take your toddler to the grocery store, let them help wash vegetables, or stir ingredients. Children who are involved in food preparation are more likely to try the final product. [1]
  • Family meals are important: Whenever possible, eat together at a table without distractions like phones or the TV. This provides a time for connection and allows your child to learn by watching you.
  • Respect their autonomy: Honor the Division of Responsibility. Trusting your child to manage their own intake is the cornerstone of a healthy relationship with food.
  • Keep it positive: Mealtimes should be a time of connection, not conflict. If a meal is becoming stressful, it's okay to end it and try again later.