Most parents want to do what is best for their children, but do not always know how. Here are some common mistakes made concerning young children:

• Letting the child control what they are served, where they are served, and when they are served.
• Not letting the child choose how much they eat or whether they want to eat at all.
• Portion sizes are too large.
• Use food as rewards.
• Are poor role models.
• Don’t continue to offer new foods as the child gets older.
• Offer foods that are choking hazards.

As a parent, you must learn how to share the responsibility of meal time. Parents should be in control of what is served, when it is served, and where it is served. Children are very good at telling when they are full or not, so it is important for parents to let them decide if they want more food or if they are hungry at all. Force feeding can lead to negative meal experiences and possible food problems later in life. One common food related problem is in girls not wanting to eat at all, which can lead to the beginning of an eating disorder.