80% Brit moms throw fibs at kids to promote healthy eating--survey
POSTED September 2, 2010 - 11:25 | POSTED BY Neharika Sabharwal
Last edited by Silky Chandvani on September 2, 2010 - 11:52
According to a recent survey, 80 percent of parents admitted that they had told their children classic tales such as eating carrots helps them to see in the dark, intake of spinach makes them strong and muscly, and an ice cream vans jingle means it has sold out.
Deneice Harwin from Philips AVENT parenting appliances, which commissioned the study, stated, "Encouraging toddlers to eat new foods can be a nightmare for parents and make meal times the most stressful part of the day.
"But it's important that they get the right nutrients and this means eating fruit and veg, which tend to be the worst foods in children's eyes.
"So it's no wonder parents are telling little fibs to their children in an attempt to get them to eat certain things."
Survey of 3,000 moms
A study of 3,000 mothers revealed nearly two-thirds are at their wits end when it comes to getting the little ones to eat a healthy, balanced diet.
In a bid to wean their kids away from sugary drinks and encourage eating fruits and vegetables mothers resort to throwing out white lies at their kids at an average of two times a day.
The poll found that 40 percent were racked with pangs of guilt for lying to the children while 60 percent admitted that they had no other option but to resort to a little white lie in moments of desperation.
In addition, the survey revealed that 89 percents of the moms fret over their kids not getting the essential nutrients with 13 percent even going to extent of taking them to see a doctor or nutritionist.
The study also exhibited that 80 percent of the moms threw up their hands in frustration when their child refused to eat a certain food.
A word of advise
Childhood experts theorize that an occasional little fibbing by parents does not cause any lasting damage and it will not scar their kids for life.
However, Child psychologist Dr Gillian Harris, of Birmingham Children's Hospital states that though the natural parental instinct to be economical with the truth and fib is with good intentions, “Parents looking for an easier time at the table should remember that the best way to get a child to enjoy eating is to interact with them and get them interested in food.”
