Should kids be forced to eat vegetables?

Maha (No)

Unfortunately, not every child will happily eat their greens. Yet, as frustrating as this may be for a parent, forcing a child to eat them won't help matters. Scientifically speaking, 70% of children may face difficulty consuming Brassica vegetables (like cauliflower and broccoli) due to the TAS2R38 gene. The gene affects how the little ones perceive bitter tastes, causing them to avoid eating vegetables altogether. However, this doesn't mean that children will swear off greens forever. The same study revealed that adding a dip to the vegetables can help children accept this.

Moreover, children's taste palates continue changing and developing throughout their lives. This explains why some go through a short phase of refusing vegetables or eating just one variety. So, parents may need to wait a little or change the size, appearance, or perception of the vegetables they serve. 

Now, most parents fear that their children may miss out on the nutrients that greens offer. However, physical activity, proper sleep, and adequate fluid intake are equally important for a healthy child. Besides, these nutrients are available through other foods like nuts, whole grains, beans, and poultry. Plus, parents can supplement with vitamins after consulting with their pediatrician. 

Another reason not to force children to eat their greens is the risk of children developing negative responses. A study revealed that most adults who were forced to consume food felt anger, fear, disgust, and confusion. They also reported feeling a lack of control and helplessness. And no parent would like their child to live with these emotions. So, for the sake of children's present and future, parents shouldn't force them to eat vegetables. 

Chad (Yes)

Even if kids are picky eaters, their parents should still push them to eat whole foods like fruits and vegetables. Vegetables, especially, are some of the most important components of a well-rounded, healthy diet. Not only are they nutrient-rich, but they also contain the fiber we need for digestion and maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. 

While most of us are aware of how nutrient-rich vegetables are and how adding them to our diets helps us glean essential vitamins and minerals, few are aware of how vastly they impact the body’s health and why eating them at a young age is paramount. Flavonoids, terpenes, and other plant products actually modulate various body systems. These can have far-reaching and lasting effects on the health and mood of both young kids and adults. They are also vital for development. Kids who don't eat enough vegetables can be malnourished and suffer acute mental and physical developmental problems. This can set them up for a lifetime of trouble.

Studies show that children with diets high in vegetables and whole foods have better mental health and perform better in school. Others show that a lack of such foods leads to poorer school performance. Furthermore, it is a parent's job to instill proper eating habits in their children so they do not default to sugary and salty processed foods later in life. It's easier to learn this from the beginning than to reform ingrained habits later on.

Not only is it essential for parents to teach their kids to eat vegetables, but they must also model those same eating habits. Sweets and treats are fine, but only if balanced with a nutritious diet high in abundance and variety of vegetables.