Being too strict can have negative consequences on children's eating behavior

The attitudes and actions of parents in the process of feeding their child are related to children’s food intake and preferences. Different forms of pressuring can be used by parents or caregivers: verbal prompts, praise, reward or coercive practices. These practices may reduce child’s ability to self-regulate their intake and are associated with higher rating of pickiness¹.

Serving foods as a reward or comforter can make them seem desirable and increases preference for these foods². It is important to respect children’s internal cues of hunger and satiety in order to improve their self-regulation of food intake.

             1. Williams KE, Paul C, Pizzo B, Riegel K. Practice does make perfect. A longitudinal look at repeated taste exposure. Appetite. 2008;51(3):739-742.
2. Fisher JO, Birch LL. Restricting access to palatable foods affects children's behavioral response, food selection, and intake. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 1999;69(6):1264-1272.