"Most kids will not volunteer to eat veggies. At times you must step up to the plate and enforce the rule of authority as a parent"

The quote by Lee Haney attends to the typical difficulty parents deal with in encouraging their children to consume healthy foods, specifically veggies. It underscores the idea that kids, when delegated their own devices, typically select more tasty choices like sweets and unhealthy food over healthy veggies. This behavior is generally due to children's developmental preferences for sweet and salted foods and their absence of understanding of the long-term advantages of a healthy diet.

The phrase "step up to the plate" is a metaphor taken from baseball, implying that parents need to take decisive action and responsibility in guiding their children's consuming habits. It's not practically suggesting or hoping that children make the ideal options, however actively participating in forming those choices. This includes setting boundaries and expectations around food intake, which is an essential part of parenting.

The quote also refers to "implement the rule of authority", which highlights the adult role of setting and preserving guidelines within the household. Imposing authority does not necessarily suggest being authoritarian or excessively strict, but rather establishing a healthy structure and demonstrating consistency in those rules. It's about teaching children the value of consuming vegetables and developing an environment where healthy options are normalized and motivated.

Furthermore, using the word "impose" suggests that there may be resistance from kids. Hence, moms and dads are encouraged to be firm but understanding, integrating the right balance of authority and nurturing guidance. This might include discussing the advantages of vegetables, creatively incorporating them into meals, and setting a positive example by showing interest for healthy eating.

Ultimately, Haney's quote highlights the important function of moms and dads in promoting healthy habits. It stresses the need for an active, involved method in assisting kids's dietary options, acknowledging that it's a needed part of parenting that needs perseverance, consistency, and a degree of firmness.