What’s a parent to do? The news is so full of nutritional advice it can seem impossible to know where to begin an attempt to feed children well. Sugar is increasingly viewed as a dietary mistake. Fiber is fantastic for preventing constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and is linked to a reduction in colon cancer. Blueberries and walnuts have antioxidants, salmon and tuna have vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. Too much tuna has too much mercury. Too much cow’s milk can lead to iron-deficiency anemia. Too much soy milk is risky as well. How does a parent put all of this advice into action?!

My patients’ parents often ask questions about nutrition. Parents may worry their kids are too picky or not growing well. They have heard about the “obesity epidemic” and want to protect their family. We all want to send our kids out into their school days with the healthiest possible start but – how? In my conversations with parents in my office I often find myself repeating the same advice about each of these issues. You could call this advice nutritional sound bites. Here are the top 10:

1. make snacks count
2. you serve, they choose
3. limit drinks that taste sweet
4. don’t worry
5. don’t be a short order chef
6. go with their strong suits; average nutrition over a week or month
7. talk with your kids about nutrition
8. allow treats
9. raise cooks
10. family meals