by Di Johnson

Created on: May 16, 2008

Fun themes such as the child cooking (with strict supervision), running a cafe, writing and decorating the menu, gardening so that the salad bowl contains food from the child's garden all help with a raft of learning from science to life skills of growing plants and cooking. What a boost for any six year old! You empower the child with responsibilities such as these which means that he or she does not feel the need to show power on what is consumed.

A bowl of delicious raspberries or strawberries, a platter of delectable seafood, crusty wholemeal bread and a steaming bowl of pasta with a tasty cheese and vegetable sauce are real treats for the child who enjoys the delights of real food.

If they only know about the fruit bowl for snacks and treats then the empty calories of sugar laden foodstuffs will not begin to feature in their daily diet. Provide crisps, candy bars, sweets and soft drinks as treats and they'll hold them in high regard.

If mistakes have already happened and the poor quality treats are high on the agenda you're going to have to put in some work if you want to correct the situation. It's not hard and work put in now will reap rewards for both you and the child. The negative aspects of a poor diet impact on the family on a day to day basis. Mood swings, dental caries, poor sleep patterns, dry scalp, poor skin conditions and behavioural problems can all to some extent be attributed to poor diet. Put this right and these problems may be eradicated or symptoms reduced. Ask any parent who has removed artificial ingredients from a child's diet who is a sufferer of Attention Deficit Syndrome or Aspergers if they would go back to these chemicals and the answer would almost certainly be a resounding "NO WAY!".

The first thing you need to do if you're fighting a diet of junk food with a six year old is to be firm and calm. You are the adult, you are in charge. Examine exactly what foods the child enjoys that are what you regard as good foods and make an effort to expand on this repertoire. Establish what is acceptable and what is not and then be focused on this. Your aims should be clear. For example if your child wants cereal which you regard to be unhealthy you need an alternative which you're both happy with. This may need some effort and the child may have to compromise a little.

The child should sit down with other family members where possible and eat a good healthy meal. If it is not consumed calmness should prevail, no drama, no one to one threats or forcing the issue. If the meal is left uneaten stay calm and deposit it in the bin with dignity explaining that she/he can't be very hungry. Although this isn't easy to do bear in mind that no child will starve when there's food on the table, but all can hold out for what they feel to be a better deal! The holding out can be dramatic too! You are in charge.

If the meal is eaten praise and encourage, but do not allow snacks before the next meal and have the same approach. If you are concerned that not much was eaten from the previous meal you may wish to bring the next mealtime forward a little. Make the meals appetising and don't make separate meals for different family members. This method should enable all to enjoy a good meal with no fuss within a couple of mealtimes. You are doing them no favours in the short or long term by allowing them to chose what they have to eat if they're not making healthy choices. I feel that we as parents are responsible for enabling them to get the right message about what food is right for them. Also, importantly you get a boost when you're free from what can be the eating power game.

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