Most bad food habits don’t start with children—
They start with parents.
This isn’t a statement of blame, but of truth.
After working with hundreds of families, I’ve seen one pattern again and again: parents unknowingly introducing unhealthy food habits far earlier than they realise.
We assume kids simply like biscuits or crave tea.
But the reality is: they aren’t born with these preferences.
Where It All Begins
Without meaning to, many mothers give their children:
Milk and biscuits for breakfast
Bread and jam as a quick tiffin fix
A few sips of tea or coffee in winter
It feels harmless.
It feels temporary.
But early exposure to sugar, caffeine, and processed food trains the body to crave them regularly. And this is exactly how long-term health issues take root.
Today, India is seeing a sharp rise in childhood obesity and even early-onset diabetes. The foundation of these problems is often laid in the most innocent years.
Children Don’t Create Cravings — We Do
A child doesn’t naturally crave biscuits.
A toddler doesn’t “need” tea to feel warm.
A preschooler isn’t born with a sweet tooth.
They learn these preferences from what is offered repeatedly.
And many times, unhealthy habits begin simply because parents don’t have healthier options ready in time.
Hunger, Emotions & Unplanned Snacking
I always tell parents: “Never let your child get too hungry.”
When kids are starving, they can’t regulate emotions the way adults do.
That’s when chocolate, chips, and sugary snacks feel like comfort.
Not because they want them — but because it’s the quickest satisfaction available.
Simple Planning Can Change Everything
You don’t need fancy recipes.
You simply need options.
Before stepping out for shopping, travel, or even a short outing, pack 2–3 quick choices like:
Boiled chana or sprouts
Homemade pudding or curd
Pomegranate seeds or a mixed fruit salad
Keep small snack boxes ready:
In your car
In your handbag
Even at home in an easy-to-grab spot
For years, whether travelling abroad or visiting a mall, I never stepped out without healthy food for my kids.
Not because I was strict — but because I understood one truth:
Kids Eat What’s Available
When children are hungry, they reach for what’s in front of them.
So the real question every parent must ask is:
“What am I making available to my child?”
Because the habits we build today will shape the health they carry tomorrow.
Guest writer:
