Parents bribe their kids with screen time and chocolate to get them to eat healthily
dailystar.co.ukParents are persuading their children to eat healthily by rewarding them with extra time on a games console, eating in front of the TV, and a later bedtime.A study of 1,000 mums and dads, of children aged 3-12, found seven in ten have hidden fruit and vegetables in their youngster’s meals, and do so on average three times a week.Another 83% have “rewarded” them with treats to get them to eat healthily - including a pudding (23%), allowing them to play on their parent’s mobile phone (18%), and inviting friends over on the weekend (14%).The typical week sees mums and dads resort to “rewards” on four occasions.More than a quarter (26%) believe their rewards always work - but nine in ten have been caught out by their youngster when attempting to hide ingredients in food.The research was commissioned by Dolmio® as part of the launch of its new 7 Veg Pasta Sauce, which includes two of your five-a-day in every serving.Parents struggle an average of four times a week to get their kids to eat healthily, and over half (51%) admitted their child always wins when it comes to not wanting their five a day.But when they do succeed, 78% feel a huge sense of accomplishment if their youngster eats healthily without making a fuss.Among the stories parents have told their little ones to encourage them to eat fruit and vegetables were carrots will make you see in the dark (48%), an apple a day keeps the doctor away (40%), and runner beans make you faster (32%).Sian Dixon, for Dolmio®, said: “The struggle between child and food is something all parents experience and, as a brand, we’re committed to enabling the UK to enjoy dinnertimes that are easy and delicious.“We know many parents are looking to provide healthy meals, but that isn’t always.
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