%201.png)
As parents, we all want our kids to eat well. But if you’ve ever tried convincing a toddler to eat broccoli or asked a preteen to choose water over soda, you know it’s not always easy. Helping kids develop healthy eating habits isn’t just about the nutrients on their plate—it’s about how we engage with them around food.
At The Body Habitat, we often talk about meals as a space for connection, curiosity, and autonomy. Building meals with your kids can not only improve their willingness to try new foods, but it also nurtures self-regulation and helps them feel seen and empowered. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the parenting styles that support this process, share age-appropriate ways to get your child involved in meal planning and preparation, and give you tools to help them tune into hunger and fullness cues.
Not all parenting styles are created equal when it comes to supporting healthy eating. Researchers generally categorize parenting into four types:
Of these, authoritative parenting is consistently linked with healthier eating patterns, better self-regulation, and lower risk of obesity in children. Why? Because it creates a structured but supportive environment where kids feel both safe and capable.
This balanced approach helps kids build a positive, pressure-free relationship with food—one where they can learn to trust their own hunger and fullness cues.
When children participate in planning meals, they feel a sense of ownership over their food. This encourages openness to new foods, builds independence, and teaches life skills like budgeting and nutrition.
The kitchen is a classroom for lifelong learning—and an opportunity to connect. Cooking with your child builds confidence, encourages food curiosity, and offers natural openings to discuss nutrition in a non-lecturing way.
Let go of perfection here—yes, the counter will get messy. Yes, your child might put the spoon in their mouth and back in the bowl. It’s okay. These are moments to build confidence, not culinary masterpieces.
Before we go further, here’s a reminder you’ll hear often from us: Even though we encourage small, gradual changes, any change may feel hard for children and might be met with resistance. Taking a moment to validate your child’s feelings with empathy—"I know trying something new can feel a little scary”—can go a long way in keeping mealtimes calm and connected.
One of the most powerful skills we can help children develop is the ability to listen to their bodies. Instead of external cues (like “You have to finish your plate”), kids can learn to notice:
This helps prevent emotional eating, reduces guilt, and builds long-term self-trust around food.
Children are sponges. They watch how you eat, talk about your body, and respond to stress. Modeling mindful eating, flexibility, and a no-shame approach to food teaches them that health is about balance—not restriction.
Your words shape their inner voice. Choose them with care.
At The Body Habitat, we know that building a healthy lifestyle is a family process. Through our pediatric nutrition and weight management services, we offer:
We approach every child with empathy, empowerment, and the understanding that food is never just food—it’s an experience, a memory, and an opportunity for connection.
If you're ready to make mealtimes easier, healthier, and more joyful, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kaysi Krill today.
