Skip to Content Subscribe My Account Manage My Subscriptions FAQ Newsletters Canada Canadian True Crime Canadian Politics Health World Israel & Middle East Financial Post NP Comment Longreads Puzzmo Diversions Comics NP News Quiz New York Times Crossword Horoscopes Modern Life Eating & Drinking Style Sponsored Play for Ontario Travel Travel Canada Travel USA Travel International Cruises Travel Essentials Culture Books Celebrity Movies Music Theatre Television Business Essentials Advice Lives Told Tails Told Shopping Buy Canadian Home Living Outdoor Living Kitchen & Dining Tech Style & Beauty Personal Care Entertainment & Hobbies Gift Guide Travel Guide Deals Savings National Post Store More Sports Hockey Baseball Basketball Football Soccer Golf Tennis Driving Vehicle Research Reviews News Gear Guide Obituaries Place an Obituary Place an In Memoriam Classifieds Place an Ad Celebrations Working Business Ads Archives Healthing Epaper Manage Print Subscription Profile Settings My Subscriptions My Offers Newsletters Customer Service FAQ Newsletters Canada World Financial Post NP Comment Longreads Puzzmo Diversions Modern Life Shopping Epaper Manage Print Subscription Getting kids to eat what’s on the menu can be tricky, but becoming a short-order cook is not good for anyone in the long run. There are solutions designed to minimize tensions. Getty Images/iStockphotoSpending time with your grandchildren is rewarding, but mealtimes can be challenging. One reader recently asked, “My daughter makes separate meals because my grandchildren won’t eat what the family is having. How do we get them to eat better?” It’s a question I hear often, and the concern behind it is understandable.Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.Unlimited online access to National Post.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.Unlimited online access to National Post.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorThe good news? Mealtimes don’t have to be a battle. The Division of Responsibility in Feeding, developed by registered dietitian Ellyn Satter, focuses on creating a positive feeding relationship without pressuring children to eat.Here is the simple idea: Caregivers decide what, when and where food is served. Children decide whether to eat and how much. This approach trusts children to listen to their hunger and fullness cues. Pressure, bargaining, or encouraging “just one more bite” can interfere with this natural ability and create unnecessary stress around food.As both a registered dietitian and mother of three, I know this isn’t always easy to implement. Like many families, we’ve had our share of mealtime challenges — and I wish I had discovered this approach sooner.Here are a few practical strategies that can make family meals more enjoyable for everyone:Serve regular meals and snacks. Predictable meal and snack times help children come to the table hungry and reduce grazing throughout the day.Offer one family meal. Include at least one food your child usually enjoys but avoid becoming a short-order cook by preparing separate meals. (Try this month’s taco bowl recipe to implement the Division of Responsibility)Keep offering new foods. It can take 15 to 20 exposures before a child accepts something unfamiliar. Stay patient and matter of fact. Skip the pressure. Avoid bribing, begging or rewarding children for eating. Praise can sometimes feel like pressure, too.Enjoy meals together. Turn off screens, eat as a family whenever possible, and let children learn by watching you enjoy a variety of foods. Remember, the adult’s job is to provide nourishing food in a supportive environment. The child’s job is to decide whether and how much to eat. For more information on this important subject I encourage you to read Dietitians of Canada (2020) Healthy Tips For Feeding Your Grandchildren at Unlock food.caThis advice is for typically developing children; those with medical or feeding concerns may benefit from individualized guidance from a registered dietitian. To connect with one visit the Dietitians of Canada “Find a Dietitian” directory.Lucia Weiler is an award-winning Registered Dietitian (RD) in private practice who turns nutrition science into life-changing advice for vibrant living at www.weilernutrition.com.Build-Your-Own Taco BowlsA family-friendly meal that puts everyone at the same table.Time: 20 minServes: 41 lb (454 g) lean ground beef or chicken1 tbsp (10 g) taco seasoning1/2 cup (125 mL) tomato sauce or water2 cups (500 mL) cooked brown riceToppings1 cup (250 mL) canned black beans, rinsed and drained2 cups (500 mL) shredded lettuce1 cup (250 mL) diced tomatoes1 cup (250 mL) salsa1 cup (250 mL) shredded cheddar cheese1/2 cup (125 mL) diced bell pepper1/2 cup (125 mL) guacamoleWash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it up as it browns.Stir in the taco seasoning and tomato sauce (or water). Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.Arrange the cooked meat, brown rice and toppings in serving bowls.Invite everyone to build their own taco bowl by choosing the foods they enjoy. There’s no pressure to try everything — children decide how much and whether to eat from what caregivers provided. Join the Conversation This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.