Childrens Supplements

There are those out there, who say every child needs multi vitamin supplement every day. As a mom with two children, I am not one of them.

Rather, you need to teach your children how and what to eat. They cannot eat sugar-laden candies if you do not buy them. Its that simple. They cannot drink sodas, if you do not buy them. Fill your refrigerator and pantry with healthy snacks – whole grain breads (if they grow up on it, theyll never complain!) fruits, vegetables and other nutritious items.

The only time I recommend giving a child a supplement vitamin is if they are sick, and not eating or if they have vitamin or mineral deficiency and your physician has recommended a vitamin supplement.

If you have a hard time getting your child to eat fruits or veggies, give them something to dip it in! My daughter loves anything when its dipped in ranch dressing (I buy the fat free kind). My son prefers melted cheese over most things. Since he doesnt like milk, its a good way for him to get his calcium!

At mealtimes, half their plate is fruits or veggies, a quarter of it meat, and a quarter their grain. For “desert” they can have a piece of fruit. I am not saying they never get sweets (although I wish I could!) but it is not something they get everyday. On the weekends, they can have one soda a day, and I usually have a “sweet” desert then, as well.

If you are concerned that your child is not getting enough to eat, or enough vitamins – watch them carefully through the day. Kids have the habit of “grazing” – taking a little here, and a little from there…they may be eating more than you really think they are. If after watching them for a few days you are still concerned, talk to your pediatrician. Take the list of what they typically eat and when. Your doctor can then tell you if he thinks a vitamin supplement is necessary!