Junk food ranks among the biggest problems for many parents. No matter what mom and dad have to offer, kids insist on that high-calorie, low nutrition meal. Is it the colorful package, peer pressure or another factor that contributes?
A recent study may shed some light on the situation.
Advertising has long been blamed for the choices kids make. It changes behavior and makes little ones demand items and foods that are far from the best option for their needs.
One aspect of commercials is mostly responsible for influencing kids. It is the colorful and fun cartoon characters that advertise cereals, snacks and chocolate bars that are unhealthy but very desirable in the eyes of kids.
Dina Borzekowski, associate professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore is responsible for the new study that sheds some light on the behavior of children and the manner in which it affects food selection.
Parents will rarely choose junk food for their kids but the nagging factor is a powerful tool that lets little ones achieve their goals. Many parents feel uncomfortable or incapable of acting in a rational manner when the child throws a tantrum in the middle of the store.
Nagging is the reason for unhealthy foods reaching the family fridge. And kids nag for certain foods due to the appeal of the promotional cartoon characters. They have the power to create awareness, recognition and desire. Thus, little ones prefer a specific cereal box over another one. The reason is simple – the favorite cartoon character is depicted on the front cover.
The study analyzed the behavior of children aged 3 to 5.
The manner in which commercials affect children and stimulate them to nag for certain foods is very troubling. Child obesity figures are growing in a concerning manner. The accumulation of excess weight from an early age is responsible for various health problems, some of which life threatening.
Do you experience this problem as a parent? Do you know how to deal with a stubborn, nagging child demanding a pack of chips, candies or a cereal that is full of sugar and preservatives?
The trick is to act in a calm manner. Yelling or responding stubbornly is the best way to cause a great, angry scene at a public place. Diverting the attention of the child from the product of desire or offering several healthier alternatives is the best way to deal.
Minimizing television watching hours is another good solution, though it may be difficult to achieve. Playing games with children and spending time outdoors are two good alternatives. Young ones should get used to playing sports and being outside instead of sitting in front of the television screen.
Children today start watching TV at a very early age. It affects their perception and television characters could be responsible for personal perceptions and desires. Many parents underestimate the power of television but children do understand and their awareness level is very high.
It would be exceptionally difficult to root out junk food from your kid’s diet. A reasonable and patient approach, however, can do a lot to make the situation better and to give your little one healthier alternatives.