Grandparents are 'junk food risk', according to parents

As a general rule, you know what to expect when you send your kids to their grandparents for the weekend: they will be spoiled rotten, staying up late and coming home laden with children's gifts.

But according to a study this week by Mini Max, more than a quarter of parents have thought twice about packing their kids off to chill with the gramps - because they fear they'll be fed junk food, sweets and biscuits.

And according to the survey, almost half of parents had been forced to tell their parents not to feed their kids weak squash, broken biscuits and Werther's Original ahead of their visit.

"I think what the results of this survey do speak to is the real worry parents have about letting their kid's diets quite literally out of their sights," said Mini Max's Paul Wheeler.

"Unfortunately it seems parents are living in dietary fear - of what their kids will eat everywhere. Whether it's grandparents, school or with friends, British parents don't trust their kids will make the right dietary choices.

"I think most people will agree it's about balance - but sometimes that's not as easy to achieve as they say."

It's not just grandparents that worry mums and dads, though - many parents worry about their children getting the right food at friends' and families' homes, as well as part of their school dinners.

However, the best way to influence your child's eating choices when you're not around is with a solid nutritional grounding at home that breeds a love of fruit and vegetables.

Have them help around the kitchen when you are chopping and preparing fresh fruit, from strawberries to mushrooms, and encourage them to taste the food when it's both raw and cooked.

And, of course, toys can help foster knowledge and understanding of healthy food choices. The Melissa & Doug range boasts a number of food preparation toys that help children to get involved in their diet.