Many parents struggle with their children refusing to drink milk, crying, or skipping meals at the sight of a glass of white milk. But if parents know how to “trick” their taste buds and make drinking milk a fun experience, milk can become an indispensable daily treat. Discover three simple yet effective tricks to help parents choose the right milk and get their kids excited about drinking it.
Why is milk so important for a child’s development?
Milk is not just a nutritious drink but a “silent hero” in a child’s holistic development. In the early years, children need a large amount of nutrients to build their physical and intellectual foundation.
According to Dr. Truong Hong Son, Director of the Institute of Applied Medicine in Vietnam, “Children need sufficient protein, calcium, iron, zinc, vitamins A and D, among other essential micronutrients, for proper growth and development. Milk is an excellent source of these vital nutrients.”
Calcium strengthens bones, lysine aids calcium absorption and creates antibodies, and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), a type of easily absorbable medium-chain fat, support brain development, healthy digestion, and provide quick energy.
Especially during the ages of one to six, children need a stable and safe source of nutrition. At this stage, milk not only helps maintain daily energy levels but also boosts their immune system, which is crucial as they start interacting with the outside environment.
Choose milk with less sugar but still sweet and tasty
Some parents believe that the sweeter the milk, the more their children will like it. However, an overly sweet taste can lead to children quickly getting bored and poses potential risks of obesity and tooth decay. Choosing milk with less sugar while maintaining a natural sweetness is an effective way to make children enjoy their milk every day.
Dr. Le Thi Hai, former Director of the Nutrition Center at the National Institute of Nutrition, shares, “Children tend to have a sweet tooth, but excessive sugar intake can negatively impact their long-term health. Parents should opt for milk products with low sugar content or those sweetened with natural sources like lactose.”
Some milk brands have optimized their formulas to be “less sugary” while retaining a delicate sweetness from fresh milk or natural flavors. Parents should carefully read the product labels and choose milk explicitly labeled as “less sugar,” “no added sugar,” or “natural flavor.” This not only benefits their children’s health but also instills healthy eating habits from an early age.
Make drinking milk a daily game
Children learn through play, a golden principle in early education. Forcing children to drink milk can create a sense of constraint and foster a spirit of opposition. Turning the milk glass into a fun game can work wonders.
For instance, parents can create a “countdown game,” where the child must finish the milk before the timer runs out. Alternatively, parents can have a friendly competition with their child to see who drinks milk faster, ensuring safety and preventing choking.
Another simple approach is to let the child draw on the cup or choose a cup with superhero or princess designs, fostering a sense of “this is mine” and making them more enthusiastic about milk time.
Establish a loving ritual around drinking milk
Habits are formed through consistent daily repetition. Giving children milk at fixed hours not only helps their bodies easily absorb nutrients but also makes them perceive milk as an integral part of their lives.
Parents can offer milk in the morning when they wake up to kickstart their day or in the evening to help them relax and fall asleep more easily.
Moreover, make milk time “quality time” between parent and child. A gentle hug, a few words of encouragement, or even a loving glance can make children cherish that moment and, by association, the glass of milk in their hand.
Conclusion
Every child is unique, with their likes, personality, and biological rhythm. The key is not in forcing them to drink milk but in creating a loving environment where they willingly embrace what is good for them.
By choosing the right type of milk, incorporating fun games, and maintaining a consistent routine, parents not only support their children’s healthy development but also instill a sense of security and love—something no product on the market can replace.
Milk is more than just a food; it’s a conduit of love and a child’s first companion as they navigate life.
Let every glass of milk be a soft hug from a parent to their child, every day.
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