Study: 1 in 8 parents insist that their children finish everything on their plate

Recent research released on Monday found that although the majority of preschool parents want to provide their kids with a nutritious and balanced meal, one in eight parents insists that their kids eat everything on their plate.

Research from the University of Michigan in the US found that although half of parents think the Mediterranean diet has more nutritional value than the conventional American diet, just one in three parents think the American diet is healthful.

According to Susan Woolford, an assistant professor at the University of Michigan, parents who push their children to finish everything on their plate might be encouraging overindulgence in food.

“It can result in overconsumption, particularly if portion sizes are too large for the child’s age, to force children to eat everything on their plate or to wait until they have finished all other foods,” she said.

Based on 1,083 replies from parents of children aged 3 to 10, the research also found that 60% of parents would make a different meal if their kid doesn’t like what is given, often choosing a less healthful option.

According to Woolford, parents should provide a balanced dinner that includes at least one item that their kid is usually willing to eat, as opposed to letting them choose an alternative menu.

She said that parents shouldn’t worry if their child chooses not to eat since it won’t hurt healthy kids and that “they will be more likely to eat the options presented at the next meal.”

To improve children’s appetites and desire to consume the items provided, Woolford also advised against snacking in between meals.