Ice cream

M really looks like he's going to enjoy that cornetto, you should have seen the mess 5 minutes later! He was about 15 mo in this photo and I know many parents who would disapprove of giving such a young child something so sweet. We don't eat a lot of sweet food in our family but have the philosophy that a little of what you like does you good. I want M to be able to self regulate with unhealthy foods and so far so good, although I know it's a little early to tell. I'll keep you posted!

I'm interested to hear how other families deal with sweets and other unhealthy food... please leave your story in the form of a comment.

Lobster

This is a picture of M at 14 mo trying to get into a delicious jerk lobster in a fantastic seafood shack in Portland, Jamaica. It was one of those meals I will never forget. M loves any food that is fiddley to eat, like shellfish or artichokes or pomegranate for example. It keeps him occupied far longer than a puree would!

What's your little one's favourite food? Post a comment...

Pineapple

Our Jamaican friend Brian told us stories of how he and his friends used to steal fruit on the way home from school and hide it from his brothers and sisters in the bush. Imagine your average Western kid going to so much trouble over a bunch of bananas! It's a shame how many kids have got so used to sweets and candy that they are no longer interested in nature's own bounty and many parents have to bribe their kids to eat something so good. Although maybe if we had access to the delicious, fresh, tropical fruit like in Jamaica it would be easier to convince them. Jamaican pineapple was out of this world.

Family meal time

M looks so happy sat between grandma and granddad (my mum and Darren's dad). In fact we find it very hard to feed him on those occasions when we have already eaten (if he napped through lunch for example).

My feeling is that the key to healthy eating among children is for families to eat together as often as possible. Children learn by modelling and eating is no exception. Meal times are also a really important time for families to catch up and be connected with one another.

Here in Italy we are lucky that the structure of the day allows families to eat together at least once a day - the school day ends at 1pm and most shops and businesses are shut over the siesta period. Unfortunately in many other parts of the world it is really only practical for most parents, especially dads, to eat with their kids at weekends.

How often do your family eat together? Please post a comment.