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Just Eat It:

A Parent’s Influence on a Child’s Nutrition
Greg Culver
Independent Research GT
May 1, 2018

Advisor: Dr Margaret Udahogora

Instructor: Leila Chawkat
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Abstract

In this review, parents will be able to identify valuable information on nutrition and the
methods they can use in order to help their children eat healthier. It is important for children to
acquire a wide range of foods in order for them to grow and live a long life. The problem is that
many parents are unaware of how to properly help their children to effectively accomplish
nutritional improvements. By educating parents on how to do so, they are contributing to the
health of future generations by setting up their kids for a long term, healthy lifestyle. By
distributing a survey to all parents, information was gathered on their view of how to enforce
nutrition, certain issues they have had regarding food, and quantitative data on how many parents
have had struggles. The resulting data proved and backed up professional viewpoints on a variety
of questions involving the topic of child nutrition. With the newfound knowledge and
corroborating research, an assortment of important points on parenting and methods to use in
order to get kids to eat vegetables and other healthy foods was developed.

Introduction

One of the biggest questions in parenting has always been “How do I get my child to eat

a healthier diet?” The healthiest of foods, including fruits and vegetables, are generally disliked

in the youth and adolescent population. Despite their contribution to physical wellness and

cognitive function, many children do not like them. Factors including taste, texture, and

availability stop people from eating a balanced diet. It is visible in America based on the obesity

rate. Other factors contribute too. For example, advertising for junk food and the cheaper prices

at which they are sold. These foods are chosen among kids because of their popularity and taste.

So, how are parents going to realize why their children need a change and how to go about

helping them? If a strict method is not developed soon, people will stick with their unhealthy

lifestyles. This will lower the national health standard and result in higher rates of obesity and

cholesterol. The eating problem in America starts with children. If parents pursue the right

methods to help picky eating children, they will become more open to trying new foods.
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Review of Literature

Why Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are very important in the daily diet. But why? The brain is not fully

developed until age twenty-five. Eating healthy powers the brain in order to successfully execute

daily tasks, cognitive function, and active listening (My Plate Nutritionists). Along with protein,

vegetables are a strong aide in fueling physical fitness and exercise. They give people much

more energy than junk food would, and help grow the muscles post-workout (Gunnars). Fruits

have a very high water content to help with hydration and provide vitamins and minerals. Eating

right gives people the energy and drive to exercise. There is a strong, positive correlation

between exercise and nutrition (Udahogora). When children come inside from playing or have

just finished a long practice, they are more likely to what to want to eat vegetables. If parents

explain to them how it would help their athleticism and fitness, they would be serious in trying

new foods.

Along with mental and physical development, having the right diet is important for

protection against obesity. People who eat vegetables instead of fat-filled junk have an easier

time flushing out fat (Kulze). The ​National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH)​ conducted by

the ​Health Resources & Service Administration​, concluded that in 2016, 31.2% of the American

youth population was either obese or overweight (Study of children…). It is currently an

increasing epidemic in America, and it is important to protect against obesity because it has

many negative effects in people’s everyday lives. It tires people out, decreases their level of

physical activity, and causes them to have to be more cautious about their lifestyle. Without

vegetables and fruits in a person’s diet, they are much more vulnerable to heart disease, type 2
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diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and stroke (Renee).​ ​Blood pressure,

cholesterol level, weight, and heart rate are all things people who are overweight have to look out

for and be much more conscious of than someone without weight or dietary problems.

Other Food Groups

Even though consumption of fruits and vegetables is important, it is also good to get a

balance from all groups. Dairy decreases the risk of osteoporosis along with improving bone

density and structure. It assists in protection against cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Grains and bread help weight management and cholesterol level due to the dietary fiber in bread.

Constipation, the risk of heart disease, and the risk of cancer decrease with a healthy grain

intake. Meats, protein, and fish are also very important. They provide a large quantity of daily

recommended nutrients, such as​ protein, B vitamins (niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, and B6),

vitamin E, iron, zinc, and magnesium. Protein is essential in everyday activities for brain

development and good physical stamina and well-being. Protein is essential in growth and the

energy necessary to live life. Because the other food groups are not very high in protein, it is

very important to make meat a primary intake whether it be beef, seafood, chicken, or others

(Airforce.newscontributors).

Age Groups

It is well known that children behave differently based on age. However, the specific

differences are not well known. Developmental stages bring forth a wide variety of actions,

feelings, and types of disobedience. From newborn to two years old, children are very defiant in

how they act. They easily develop a habit of controlling others around them. If they cry, parents

will likely provide them with what they want. This means a parent must be very careful in what
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they do. Also, they must be extremely calm with the child. Forceful interventions will get a

parent nowhere and actually hurt the process of nutritional enforcement in future years. If kids

start out having negative memories of a parent trying to make them eat vegetables, it will be

much harder to want to eat better as they get older. Children ages 3-5 are very different in how

the act. Their defiance is mainly in how they respond. Watch for intense and frequent behavioral

outbursts. They may last long because children of this age have a hard time controlling

themselves and their emotions. They are young and do not have that much experience in life.

This means they do not yet understand the typical precedent that the way parents talk to children

is not how children should communicate with an adult (Levinson). Parents have authority,

therefore they can be forceful when a child is not following rules or listening. Kids in this stage

will have an attitude and try to respond like they have the same authority as a parent, but parents

must be able to respond kindly to a child without giving up authority. Forceful interventions

especially should not be executed towards children of this age because it is when they develop

their main likes and dislikes. If foods are forced negative correlations will become prominent in

the children's heads (Udahogora). Kids that fall in the range of 6-12 are different from the other

age groups. These ages are when a lot of changes occur, and the result is much less arguing, but

more misbehavior and defiance due to curiosity. Children at this age grow in assimilation to how

their peers act. If possible, monitor who they hang around as long as it is not by means that are

too invasive. That could negatively affect a parent and child’s relationship which only will

increase defiance. During adolescence to 18 years old, misbehavior and peer-driven nuisance is

at an all time high. Typically, the defiance is due to a growing sense of independence and

individuality. They do not want someone hovering and telling them what to do all the time. This
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calls for intervention methods that are more subtle and less obvious. If they think someone is

managing exactly what they eat, it will not help by any means.

Methodology

Now how exactly should the consumption of vegetables and other healthful foods to be

encouraged to children? It is important to stay away from certain methods that may hurt the kids’

mentality or have traumatic affect on their ideas about vegetables. For example, ​viciously forcing

kids to eat a disliked food will never help because it associates bad incidents with that food

(Rose) (Udahogora). Also, one must understand their children’s values. Kid’s do not understand

the purpose of eating healthy. Explaining how it will make them bigger and stronger will help

them eat more. This method is especially important in 6 to 12 year olds. This age group is very

self conscious about their size. Explaining how healthy foods will help them get taller will highly

increase the chances children will stick with a food.

In a systematic review from the ​Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health​,

research on the eating behaviors of obese or overweight children and adolescents is presented.

The study was conducted to test the fruit and vegetables consumption of children who have

weight problems. The data was collected by a parent or child report of fruit and vegetable

consumption. It concluded that the ways to really see permanent change is with a holistic

approach that focuses on nutritional education and parental support. Also, without the help of a

loved one, a child will gradually stop eating vegetables because no one is supporting him through

the struggle (Bourke) . With knowing this, the methods to use will be introduced.
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Prepare the Food in Ways the Kids Like

Arranging the vegetables in a colorful pattern (Rose) could help. In doing this, children

are able to take in the beautiful patterns, shapes, and colors on their plate. Seeing the alluring

dish will make them want to eat it so much that they do not even take into account the factors

that used to hold them back from eating the foods. This method works especially well with fruits

because there are plenty on colors. Sometimes, professional chefs arrange a plate of fruits and

vegetables into scenes. For example, a garden where vegetables are grasses and trees while fruits

are plants and flowers. Turning the food into a game is a great way to brighten a child’s

perspective on various foods. Using this approach with children who have an artistic personality

would work best. However, if children are not moved by vibrant colors or a diverse plate, it is

best for a parent to try something else.

Get the Child Involved

Have children help prepare the food. This way, they will feel accomplished and more

inclined to consume it. People always enjoy something much more when they know it is the

product of their own hard work (Bowling) (Rose). How often does someone make an entire dish

for their family and not eat it? Most likely never.

Set a Good Example for the Child

This is one of the most important steps. If parents eat healthy themselves, this will prove

to kids that healthy eating is how people should live their lives. Children tend to assimilate to

what their parents do, so visibly eating a healthy diet will encourage them to do the same

(Florez… Nutritional Fitness) (Way). Setting a good example also includes providing healthier

foods. Making a grocery list consist primarily of fresh and organic fruits or vegetables r ather
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than processed, saturated junk, the child is exposed to more health than hurt at home (Way). In

order to get a child to eat healthier, they have to be surrounded by better influences.

Spreading the Benefits of a Healthy Diet is Important

If children understand how eating right will help their bodies grow, they are more

inclined to at least try more foods. This method works particularly well with adolescent to 18

year olds and athletic kids. Once adolescence hits, kids become very concerned with body image.

Explaining how food is the main component to maintaining a particular figure will increase the

possibility of exposure. With athletes, they always want to get better at their sport. They

recognize that conditioning is extremely important and foods help. However, very few

understand why and how they contribute to energy. Clarification is a main component to this

tactic.

Mix the Food With Diverse Flavors

Just because a child is trying to eat healthier, it does not mean they are limited to foods

such as fruits/vegetables. To make the food seem good to them, prepare it with foods the child

likes. For example, say a child likes bacon. Make a bacon, egg, and spinach sandwich. The child

may think it is gross the first couple of times, but will grow more comfortable with the spinach.

Now, the child has an entire new vegetable on his plate. This whole process is slow. It is not

meant to happen overnight which is why recognizing and executing small steps is important.

Reward the Child

Kids love rewards whether it be money, treats, or extended bedtimes. Offering special

privileges after an exposure will make a child want to keep eating the food (Rowell). If children

are started on a diet by receiving certain rewards, it will force them to gain exposure, therefore
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making them naturally comfortable with eating it. Having multiple exposures is very important.

Children will most likely not end up liking a new fruit or vegetable the first time they eat it. This

leads to the next step and key component to actually achieving nutritional development.

Stay Consistent

If one gives up trying to help their children escape picky eating, the issue will never be

solved. Creating a consistent plan is necessary in assisting healthy consumption because, unless

kids are being exposed to new foods daily, the interventions will not work. Try to get children

involved in everything regarding healthy foods. Make sure they are involved in the process

because that will help them feel more comfortable and make children come back for more.

After discussing multiple interventions and methods, it is obvious how important a parent

or caregiver’s role is in a child’s diet. It is the leading factor (Bourke). Parents are responsible

for what foods come into the household. Home may not be where a child receives all of his food,

but the primary portion of intake is from what the parents supply. Parents are usually the closest

people to their children, so if anyone should help their children with nutritional anxiety, it should

be them. However, boundaries should also be respected. Constantly forcing food will never help

a child. However, the foods must be introduced into a kid’s diet. So, incorporating healthful

foods into dishes the child likes will get him used to it. That way, he will consume it, but at the

same time, develop a level of comfort. This will result in a large expansion of the children’s

nutritional likings and choosings (Florez… Motivators and Barriers). A “one bite rule” also

introduces new foods. This method requires children to try a bite of food, but they do not have to

finish what is provided. Intense requirements will only hurt the child and possibly scare them.

Normally, it takes around 11-20 exposures of a certain food for children to start getting used to it
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(Rose), so do not rush. This process should be slow and steady. In doing this, a parent are not

forcing the food to a degree that will mentally affect the child, but they are still exposing it.

Data Collection

Overview: ​The researcher did a 10 question survey targeted at parents with children. It involved

some written response questions for general idea and multiple choice questions for specific

numbers. Most questions were not mandatory if the question did not apply to a certain recipient.

57 people total responded to the survey. General nutrition was targeted rather than vegetables

individually because parents can get more information on methodology.

1. What would you consider a healthy diet?

The 5 food groups are vegetables/beans, fruits, grains, meats (including fish), and dairy. Please
explain what portion of daily eating should come from each food group (in percents)

Generally, parents were in agreement that vegetables should take up about 35% of one's daily
diet. Fruits were usually 15%, most likely because fruits are composed of a lot of water which
people can get from eating fruits. 30% for meats. 10% grains. 15% dairy.

2. Are you vegan/vegetarian?

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3. Out of these options, what do you believe it is important for people

to do?

4.

Which do you believe to be 2nd most important?

5. Which do you believe to be 3rd most important?

6. Have you ever struggled to get your children to eat healthy?

The participant who chose other simply suggested her children ate all food groups, but not
enough vegetables
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7. How old were your children when these struggles occurred?

Most had issues in early development (5 and under) and adolescence. However, they happen
throughout all development (for those who had issues)

8. For those who have had no trouble, what strategies have been successful in encouraging your
children to eat healthy foods?
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9. In your opinion, why don't many kids like vegetables?

Others included:

10. Do you believe proper exercise has a correlation to healthy eating?

Rationale

For the data collection, the researcher used a mixed method approach for both qualitative

and quantitative data to draw certain conclusions. A survey method was used to conduct research

because its aim was to find parents’ attitudes, options, behaviors, or experiences with child

nutrition. A questionnaire allowed them to ask questions where they could find % of a group (in

this case, parents with children) but at the same time, ask open ended questions in order to find
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behaviors and tactics rather than numbers. The research was conducted this way because the

researcher knew only numbers or only opinions would not give enough information. He needs

ideas in order to actually find out why kids do not like to try new foods. He need numbers for

proof of an idea of the parent population. To find the method, he automatically ruled out

meta-analysis and experiment because they were not feasible for data collection. He realized he

already had information from professionals, and should probably get some from the actual

people which he is targeting the research (parents).

Analysis

The findings were generally what he expected, but not everything. For example, the

researcher did not expect people to believe vegetables were so important. From results in Q. 1,

an average of 35% was giving to vegetables on amount of daily intake from each food group. It

was expected to be around 20% as many parents try to even it out between the 5 food groups for

“balance” reasons. Only 3 participants claimed they were vegans, which has minimal effect on

results. Also, parents believe, out of the options, that eating healthy is the most important,

knowing the benefits is second most important, and liking the foods people are eating is the third

most important. A hypothesis was that parents would think it is more important for kids to like

the foods they eat than to know the benefits. However, it could go both ways. If someone knows

why they are eating “healthy” foods, such as vegetables, they will be inclined to eat them due to

a desire for improvement on physical health. However, if someone likes the foods they are

eating, they will have no trouble carrying those healthy habits for the rest of their lives. If they do

not like a healthy food, but tolerate it, they will not eat it as much. For the parents who have had
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struggles with their children and a certain disliked food, the ages varied too much to make a

generalization. Ranges went from birth until 17 years old. This was expected as we know if

parents do not practice proper methods, children will have a much harder time with their diet. In

question 8, we can see by the number of responses that even if a child has poor eating habits,

parents can still find ways to help. We see many different, unexplored ideas here. They are

mainly under the idea that “kids will pick the right choices if they are mainly exposed to them.

Unhealthy foods, like ice cream or candy, should be limited, but not completely cancelled out. A

conclusion we can draw from this data is that the environment provided to a child has a large

factor what a kid will eat. One is more likely to see an obese child from a home with more pizza

or fatty foods than fruits and vegetables. In questions 9, we can see that all factors listed may be

the cause of a lack of vegetable intake, but there are certainly more predominant ones. Taste and

texture are surely a reason why kids do not like vegetables. Repetition is a good remedy for that.

Children need multiple exposure to a disliked food to really get a feel for it and become

comfortable with it. Usually, between 10 to 20 exposure will do the trick. A lot less parents

believe peer pressure, availability, and bad parenting are a cause to the problem. When asked

about the correlation of exercise and nutrition, it is seen that 82% of parents believe there is one.

The 2 who responded “other” are insignificant because their answer was caused by not

understanding the question.

The findings were consistent, considering most percentage were either almost everyone

agreed or no one agreed. There also was not any outlying data. All the general responses for each

question agreed with each other. If he were to re-do this survey, he should use a different

platform where he can ask more questions. It would include more questions about specific
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methods found from professional research. This would show parents knowledge compared to

professionals. If parents are not obviously not as knowledgeable, we could find a large

improvement in nutrition by teaching parents different ways to go about feeding their children.

Conclusions

In entirety, the information learned in the survey is the opinions parents have on

adolescent, teenage, and child health, along with how they deal with that topic. The results

showed how important it is to deal with picky eating in a pleasant way rather than aggressive and

forceful. It is also seen how many parents do NOT know how to help their children, considering

85% of parents have struggles with it. All this information is consistent with research from

professionals. All resources read included immense support from parents. Even dieticians and

pediatric physicians agree that nutritional knowledge is just as important as actually eating well.

This leads into the importance of the research. It will allow for discussion on certain adolescent

and young behaviors in order to create a program to help parents train their children. The training

will consist of strengthening healthy eating habits, adjusting to vegetables so that they will

always be a main role in one’s diet, and helping parents and children understand why people are

constantly pushing for vegetables and other beneficial products.

Conclusion

In order for parents to successfully help their children eat better, it is necessary for one to

try a plethora of methods and tactics to help the cause. If only a single dietary intervention in

used, it may not have lasting effects. It is important for a child to have a healthy lifestyle for the
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rest of his life, not just under the direct care of a parent. Because of this, parents need to

understand how to deal with a picky eater, but parents also need to understand how important

their role is. Without the support and motivation of a caregiver, a child will never carry out the

diet for which most people strive. Now that parents understand how important healthy eating is

and their role in the whole process, their action point is to apply it in real life. A good start would

be experimenting with different interventions to see which ones will work with their child.

Everyone is different, so some methods may be unsuccessful while others may bring exciting

results. If the tips are properly carried out, the next generation of children may develop of new

found love for healthy eating.

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