With complex emotional and nutritional ties, food is among the most essential parts of our life. Having a positive relationship with food is the key to living a healthy life, however, our own experiences, body image issues, and the diet culture heavily impact this relationship. It becomes even more difficult when it comes to our children. How can adults who’ve been struggling with food and may have problematic behaviour patterns help their kids to develop a healthy relationship with food?

“Our culture often tends to make helping children to share a positive relationship with food a challenge. Parents often have a tough time teaching child to view food neutrally. Parents must note that most of the time their own experiences with food and body image tend to majorly influence how they communicate with food around children. Sometimes our own actions and behaviours tend to possibly damage the child’s food relationship”, said Dr. Siddhant Bhargava, Fitness and Nutritional Scientist, Co-Founder of Food Darzee. On Universal Children’s Day, Dr. Bhargava answers important questions on family meals, portion control, diet culture, and leading by example.

What are the top things parents must avoid doing which may negatively impact their kids’ relationship with food?