http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-magazine-monitor-26343621
On the face of it this article is helpful, and I suppose it could be to some. I have an issue though with the whole idea of subterfuge and ‘kidology’.
Here’s a radical thought: be honest with your children.
It starts with food cut into fancy shapes, tempting toddlers with a whole host of disguises rather than introducing food as..wait for it.. food ! Keep it in its natural state as much as possible. Hungry? Have some food.
Similarly, drink. I’m sure a massive amount of unnecessary sugar, calories, preservatives, colourings etc. slips endlessly down young throats because parents have trained their children not to recognise when they’re thirsty -and the ideal, natural solution is water. It is almost free; healthy; hydrating; immediately available to the body instead of having to be digested and purified.
Instead, involve children in discussions and preparation, in choosing and shopping. And consider how much money is spent in disguising food and drink or inflating it in terms of added water, air, and of course money.