French Kids Eat Everything ( And Yours Can, Too )

1. French children eat everything: A cultural approach to food education

"French kids eat everything, from fruit salad to foie gras, spinach to stinky blue cheese."

Cultural immersion in food. French children are exposed to a wide variety of foods from an early age, both at home and in school. This exposure is not just about nutrition, but about cultural education. French parents and educators believe that learning to appreciate diverse foods is an essential part of becoming a well-rounded individual.

Systematic approach to taste education. The French education system includes formal lessons on taste, known as "taste training." Children learn to describe foods using all their senses, developing a rich vocabulary for taste experiences. This approach helps children become more open to trying new foods and appreciating subtle flavors.

• Schools organize annual "Tasting Week" events with visiting chefs
• Children learn to classify foods into categories like salty, sweet, acidic, and bitter
• Sensory education starts as early as preschool

2. Parents are in charge: Authoritative feeding styles foster healthy eating habits

"Parents: You are in charge of your children's food education."

Authoritative, not authoritarian. French parents take a firm but kind approach to feeding their children. They set clear expectations about what and when children will eat, but are responsive to children's needs and preferences within those boundaries.

Long-term perspective. French parents view food education as a critical part of child-rearing, on par with teaching reading or good manners. They understand that developing good eating habits takes time and persistence.

• Parents decide what foods are served and when
• Children are encouraged to try new foods but not forced to eat them
• Mealtimes are structured and predictable

3. Food is not a pacifier: Avoiding emotional eating from an early age

"Food is not a pacifier, a distraction, a toy, a bribe, a reward, or a substitute for discipline."

Separating food from emotions. French parents avoid using food to soothe, distract, or reward children. This helps prevent the development of emotional eating habits later in life.

Alternative coping strategies. Instead of offering food when children are upset or bored, French parents teach other ways to manage emotions and entertain themselves.

• Food is not offered as a reward for good behavior
• Children are not given snacks to keep them quiet in public places
• Parents find non-food ways to comfort or praise their children

4. Scheduled meals, no snacking: The importance of structure in children's diets

"French kids don't snack."

Four square meals a day. French children typically eat four times a day: breakfast, lunch, after-school snack (goûter), and dinner. This structure helps regulate appetite and ensures children are hungry at mealtimes.

No grazing. Between scheduled meals and snacks, French children are not offered food. This helps them develop the ability to delay gratification and tune into their body's hunger signals.

• Meals are served at set times each day
• Children learn it's okay to feel hungry between meals
• The after-school snack (goûter) is the only sanctioned snack time

5. Family meals are social events: Fostering connection and conversation at the table

"Eating is inherently social."

Prioritizing family mealtime. French families place great importance on eating together, viewing meals as a time for connection and conversation. Children learn social skills and table manners through these daily interactions.

No distractions. Meals are eaten at the table, without television or other electronic devices. This allows for focused attention on the food and the company.

• Most French families eat dinner together every night
• Meals can last an hour or more, even on weeknights
• Children are included in adult conversations at the table

6. Cultivating diverse tastes: Encouraging children to try new foods

"You don't have to like it, but you do have to taste it."

Repeated exposure. French parents understand that children may need to try a new food many times before accepting it. They continue to offer new foods without pressure.

Leading by example. Parents model enjoyment of diverse foods, which encourages children to be more open to trying them.

• Children are expected to taste everything on their plate
• New foods are introduced gradually and repeatedly
• Parents eat the same foods as their children

7. Slow food is happy food: The art of mindful eating and cooking

"Take your time, for both cooking and eating."

Savoring meals. French families eat more slowly, taking time to appreciate the flavors and textures of their food. This promotes better digestion and helps prevent overeating.

Cooking as a pleasure. Preparing meals is seen as an enjoyable activity, not a chore. Even busy parents take time to cook fresh meals most days.

• Meals typically last 30 minutes to an hour
• Children are taught to eat slowly and chew thoroughly
• Cooking is viewed as a creative and rewarding activity

8. Real food over processed: Embracing local, seasonal ingredients

"Eat mostly real, homemade food, and save treats for special occasions."

Fresh, whole ingredients. French families prioritize fresh, local, and seasonal foods over processed alternatives. This approach ensures better nutrition and teaches children to appreciate natural flavors.

Moderation with treats. While treats are not forbidden, they are reserved for special occasions. This helps children develop a balanced relationship with indulgent foods.

• School cafeterias serve freshly prepared meals using local ingredients
• Families often shop at local markets for fresh produce
• Processed snack foods are not a regular part of children's diets

9. Joyful, not stressful: Balancing food rules with flexibility and pleasure

"Eating is joyful, not stressful."

Pleasure in eating. While French parents have clear expectations around food, they also emphasize the enjoyment of eating. Meals are seen as a time for pleasure and connection, not stress or conflict.

Flexibility within structure. Food rules are treated as guidelines rather than strict regulations. Occasional deviations are allowed without guilt or anxiety.

• Children are encouraged to find pleasure in trying new foods
• Mealtimes are relaxed and enjoyable, not tense or rushed
• Food rules can be bent for special occasions or celebrations

Last updated: August 8, 2024