When you were a kid, Did you serve yourself food? (We’re talking between 2 and 10 years old here, before you could say, “Sorry Mom, I’m a vegan now.”)

Do you remember getting any choice in the matter?

We sure didn’t.

According to the US Department of Agriculture parents should encourage children as young as 2 to serve themselves, deciding their own portion sizes. (Check out those recommendations here) 

It appears most parents often unknowingly overestimate exactly how much young children should eat (or maybe your Mom was a nutritionist and she’s happy your a vegan now, we don’t know!). 

Allowing kids to choose their own portion sizes in theory should help encourage healthy eating habits.

It could even reduce the likelihood of obesity later in life, and encourages experimentation with new foods. (Like Brussels sprouts! why doesn’t anyone else like those?)

It might not be the answer to combating obesity, since many children aren’t fortunate enough to have access to regular nutritious meals, but it’s a step in the right direction.

The only question is…when the cheerio’s go flying across the kitchen floor…is it worth the mess?