For children and kids, it is quite normal for them to dislike new foods the first time they eat it.
Sometimes, it takes up to ten or more attempts to get a child to like and or accept it.
It is essential for parents to behave patiently if you want your child to develop proper eating habits and eat the correct and healthy way.
For good growth and development of a child, parents should offer a selection of the below foods from each of the different food groups: Fat - Cut down on the amount of fat consumed in your family's diet and try and include lower fat dairy products, fat free cereals and breads.
Healthy food - Keep a wide variety of healthy food around the home as snacks, rather than chips and junk food.
Do allow the occasional indulgence, but keep it low.
Sugar - Reduce the intake of sugar in your meals, but don't restrict it altogether.
Sugar has its place in our diets, so try and teach your child to take smaller portions of it instead.
Eat together - Eating meals as a family can be pleasant and full of light hearted conversations about the day.
Shop and cook together - Shopping for food and cooking together are great and fun times for kids.
Parents can learn about each others food likes/ dislikes and have fun with the time spent together.
Eating in front of the TV - Watching TV while you eat makes it difficult to pay attention to your hunger and may result in you overeating.
Don't punish kids with no food - Sending children to sleep hungry may make them eat whenever they can as they have the impression that they may have to go to sleep hungry.
School lunches - Find out what is being offered at your child's cafeteria in school.
Is it healthy enough? If not, pack a healthier lunch alternative for your kids to bring to school.
Show a good example - If you as a parent show a good example when it comes to eating healthy food, your child is sure to follow suit.
Teaching your kids healthy eating habits early on in life gives them the right mindset when it comes to eating good food.