Our relationship with food and our body begins at a young age. Even a young child knows when he or she has eaten enough. However, many adults, with good intention, encourage children to finish their plate or to eat more.

What this does is send a message to the child that

we don’t trust them when they say they are full. What you can do when they say they are done, is ask them if their tummy feels full. And trust them when they say yes. Don’t worry, they won’t starve; even if you think they haven’t eaten enough.

By doing this you will teach your child to trust and listen to their body. This will help them tremendously as adults avoid overeating, feeling the need to finish their sandwich or their plate or ignoring their body’s signals when it comes to food in general.

Tip for the week: Start with your own body, and listen to its signals of when you’ve had enough; and trust your child or any kids in your life when they say that their tummy feels full.