Feeding your kids can be a tricky business, and there are quite a few common mistakes that parents tend to make. Here are ten of the most frequent mistakes, and some tips on how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Offering too many snacks

Kids are notorious for their love of snacks and sweets, but parents should avoid offering too many snacks throughout the day. Eating too many snacks can lead to overconsumption of calories and sugar, and can also interfere with mealtime hunger cues.

Instead of constantly offering snacks, try setting designated snack times and offer healthy options like fruits and vegetables.

Mistake #2: Drinking too much juice

Juice can be a tasty treat for kids, but it’s important to limit their consumption. Juice is high in sugar and can lead to cavities and unnecessary weight gain.

Experts recommend that kids under the age of six drink no more than 4-6 ounces of juice per day, while kids over the age of six should stick to no more than 8-12 ounces per day. Water and milk are better options for staying hydrated.

Mistake #3: Forcing kids to clean their plates

Many parents grew up hearing the phrase “clean your plate” at mealtime, but this approach can do more harm than good. Forcing kids to finish everything on their plate can lead to overeating and a disregard for hunger cues.

Instead, encourage kids to listen to their bodies and stop eating when they feel full.

Mistake #4: Not offering a variety of foods

Eating a diverse range of foods is important for overall health and can help prevent picky eating habits. Many parents stick to a few familiar foods in order to please their child’s taste buds, but this can have negative consequences in the long run.

Offer a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy products to keep your child’s diet balanced.

Mistake #5: Using food as a reward or punishment

Many parents use food as a way to reward good behavior or punish bad behavior, but this can contribute to a problematic relationship with food.

Using food as a reward can teach kids to overvalue the importance of certain foods, while using food as a punishment can lead to negative associations and stress when it comes to mealtime. Instead, find non-food rewards and consequences for good and bad behavior.

Mistake #6: Allowing too much screen time during meals

Screen time can be a major distraction during mealtime, and can interfere with kids’ ability to listen to their body’s hunger cues. Encourage your child to focus on the food in front of them and limit screen time during mealtimes.

Mistake #7: Skipping breakfast

Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day, and for good reason. Skipping breakfast can lead to increased hunger and overeating later in the day, as well as decreased concentration and energy.

Make sure your child starts the day off right with a balanced breakfast.

Mistake #8: Ignoring food allergies or intolerances

If your child has a food allergy or intolerance, it’s important to take it seriously. Failure to do so can lead to serious health consequences. Make sure to read food labels and inform other caregivers about your child’s dietary restrictions.

Mistake #9: Modeling poor eating habits

Kids learn by example, and if they see their parents eating unhealthy foods or making poor food choices, they’re likely to do the same. Model healthy eating habits and involve your children in meal preparation and planning.

Mistake #10: Giving up too quickly on new foods

Kids can be notoriously picky eaters, but it’s important to keep trying new foods and introducing new flavors. Research shows that it can take up to 20 exposures to a new food before a child will accept it, so don’t give up too quickly.

Encourage your child to try new foods, but don’t force them to eat anything they don’t like.