It’s holiday time again, and in all likelihood we will find ourselves at many a party or gathering of friends and family over the next couple of months. It is at these parties that we will likely hear our children say things like, “I don’t like chicken cordon bleu; I only eat chicken nuggets!” or “I don’t want those vegetables—I see cookies!” It can be challenging, to say the least, to feel good about the food our children choose to eat—or not eat—at parties.

Here are a few things to keep in mind, so that you don’t lose yours, when you are heading out to parties during this holiday season:

• If you are really worried about it, make sure your child has a healthy snack or meal before going to the party.
• Offer to bring something, and then bring a healthy meal or side dish that you know your children like and will eat.
• Talk with your children ahead of time and make an agreement on how many sweets they should have, over the course of the party.
• Bottom line is don’t worry about it—one day of bad eating will not ruin your child’s health, and most likely they will remember the party as a whole lot of fun!

The most important thing we can do is help our children develop healthy eating habits during the rest of the year, so that eating well becomes part of who they are. When this happens, children will be more likely to find the balance between eating good and bad items—even at a party.

For more information on developing healthy eating habits, see our articles “Picky Eating and Other Pesky Problems” and “Hang Up the Lunch Lady Apron for Good.”