What can you do to help your child eat well?

Share the responsibility. You decide when, where, and what the family eats. Your child chooses how much, whether, and what to eat from the options you provide. Otherwise, power struggles can create eating problems.

You can use some or all of the ideas below to get started. Add to this list whatever works for your family.

First steps

• Start with small steps. You can gradually cut down on portion sizes, limit juices and soda, and offer more fruits and vegetables.
  • Serve modest portions of food. For example, children between the ages of 2 and 8 should have 2 to 4 ounces of meat or meat alternatives each day. Children between the ages of 9 and 18 should have 5 to 6 ounces of meat or meat alternatives each day. Three ounces of meat is about the size of a deck of cards.
  • Encourage your child to drink water when he or she is thirsty.
  • Offer lots of vegetables and fruits every day. For example, add some fruit to your child's morning cereal, and include carrot sticks in your child's lunch.
• Set up a regular snack and meal schedule. Most children do well with three meals and two or three snacks a day. When your child's body is used to a schedule, hunger and appetite are more regular. This helps your child feel more in tune with his or her body.
• Have your child eat a healthy breakfast. If you are in a hurry, try cereal with milk and fruit, nonfat or low-fat yogurt, or whole-grain toast.
• Eat as a family as often as possible. Keep family meals pleasant and positive.
• Do not buy junk food. Keep healthy snacks that your child likes within easy reach.
• Be a good role model. Let your child see you eat the food that you want him or her to eat. When you eat out, order salad instead of fries for your side dish.

After a few days or weeks

• When trying a new food at a meal, be sure to include a food that your child likes. Do not give up on offering new foods. Children may need many tries before they accept a new food.
• Try not to manage your child's eating with comments such as "Clean your plate" or "One more bite." Your child has the ability to tell when he or she is full. If your child ignores these internal signals, he or she will not be able to know when to stop eating.
• Make fast food an occasional event. When you order, do not "supersize."
• Do not use food as a reward for success in school or sports.
• Talk to your child about his or her health, activity level, and other healthy lifestyle choices. Do not refer to your child's weight. How you talk about your child's body has a big impact on his or her self-image.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.