[najida]

I don't know.

I have a colleague that is a diabetes educator....One of my jobs entails working with kids in juvie psyche unit.

First off, kids may prefer certain things, because they learned those eating habits from their parents. The parents won't change....that is what I'm hearing from the counselors in these settings. It's upsetting to them to have a kid with an enlarged heart because of obesity and mom is clearly like "Well, so?" when given info on the dietary changes the FAMILY (not just the kid) needs to make.

The motivation on the part of the care provider isn't there. But when you think about it, it wasn't there from day one.

On my end, I am pleasantly surprised at how well many of the kids respond to traditional meals. The biggest thing for these kids isn't so much the food, but the routine of consistent eating times, using real utensils and non-disposable dishes. And adults sitting with them talking to them while they eat.

So yeah, I've seen them eat collard greens and cornbread. ;) We put out milk and fruit for snacks, and the junk is pretty limited. And I am REALLY trying to push water, but that isn't working all the time.

Part of it too, is we have no substitutes, unless its health or allergy related. So from the get go, they know if they don't like it, tough. (OK, so that's my theory....don't give them choices, or keep them small in the same category)

Maybe it's because they're away from their parents.

Anyhow, I have niece who at 18 months eats all veges and fruits (allowed for her age)....she drinks water constantly, no juice. Her crackers are whole grain, yadda yadda yadda.
But it's because her parents really, REALLY want her healthy.

[speekinout]

I think all kids really prefer fatty foods like chips and fries or candy. They'll pick those if they have a choice. It's their undeveloped taste buds that do it, I think.

Some years ago, I had occasion to take care of up to 4 kids for regular afternoons. They were 5-10. I'd put out bowls of crisp vegs in ice water - broccoli, celery and carrot sticks, cauliflower, raw beans, mushrooms, apple slices, etc. Along with ice water and sometimes lemonade. They were perfectly happy eating that stuff. They had choices. But if someone gave them candy, they'd pick that first. (I learned not to put the candy where they could get it - I was never up to taking on kids with a sugar rush :-))

Good for you for working with kids in a juvie psych unit. Those are kids who need special care, and people like you are important for doing it.