5 Mistakes Nigerian Parents Make When Feeding Kids

Number 4!

We mean well — but sometimes our habits don’t serve our kids’ nutrition. Common mistakes:

🍽️ Forcing kids to finish large portions

Children have smaller stomachs and different hunger cues. Forcing them to “clear their plate” can disconnect them from their natural ability to know when they’re full. Instead, serve smaller portions and allow seconds if they’re still hungry.

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🍝 Repeating rice and spaghetti every day (yes, we said it!)

While rice and spaghetti are family favorites, offering the same meals daily limits exposure to other nutrient-rich foods. Nigerian cuisine is full of variety—beans, yam, potatoes, plantains, and traditional soups can all make mealtime more exciting and nourishing.

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🍬 Using sweets as bribes

“If you finish your food, I’ll give you sweets” might work short-term, but it teaches kids that sweets are the reward and meals are the chore. This can build unhealthy food relationships. Try praising effort, not empty plates.

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🥦 Skipping veggies because you don’t think they taste great (but that’s your bias showing)

Don’t let your personal dislike for certain vegetables stop your child from trying them. Kids are naturally curious and often open to flavors we didn’t like growing up. Try preparing veggies in fun, flavorful ways—roasted carrots, blended spinach in stew, or veggie stir-fries with sweet corn.

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🌶️ Serving adult spice levels

What’s deliciously spicy to you might be overwhelming—or painful—for a child. Nigerian food doesn’t have to lose flavor without heat. Use bell peppers, herbs, crayfish, and onions for rich, tasty meals kids can actually enjoy (and digest!).

Let’s do better, one plate at a time.