KIDS BEHAVIOURS / PARENTING/ SETTING THE BOUNDARIES, LIMITS, LIFE SKILLS/ TANTRUMS

In our family, we follow a simple principle: one meal for everyone, including our children. We don’t prepare separate dishes, negotiate at the table, or use screens as a distraction. Instead, we encourage our kids to eat what the family eats and to respect the food that’s provided. Child-development research consistently shows that: • Structured family meals improve children’s long-term eating habits. • Offering too many choices can lead to picky eating and reduced food variety. • Using TV or devices during meals interferes with natural appetite signals and reduces mindful eating. • Parent-led feeding boundaries, done with calm firmness, help children develop self-regulation and independence. In many cultures, especially in modern families, parents unintentionally create dependency by accommodating every preference just to avoid conflict. But in the long run, this can limit a child’s ability to handle frustration, try new foods, or appreciate what they have. What we practice at home is something I call tough love, not harshness, not disrespect , but clear structure, consistency, and respect for food. It teaches children that: • meals are not customized like a restaurant, • food is valuable, • and family routines matter. Millions of children around the world eat whatever is available, often with gratitude. Teaching our kids that same appreciation is part of giving them strong foundations for life. Some people comment that I’m a “rude father,” but the truth is simple: This is intentional parenting. We want our children to grow up independent, resilient, and respectful — not dependent on choices or entertainment to eat a basic meal.