Do you have a preschooler who would prefer to eat junk food over healthy food? How do you change their behaviors and help them develop healthy eating habits?
Children who eat nutritious foods are likely to be healthier, have a lower risk of obesity, and be better prepared to learn in school. However, in today's fast-food society, childhood obesity is on the rise, and too many children are not getting adequate nutrition.
So how do you raise your preschoolers to appreciate and enjoy healthy foods? Below, are some ideas to get your family eating healthier and get your younger children excited about it as well.
Parents Lead By Example
Teaching your children to eat healthy foods starts with you. Children eat more fruits and vegetables, when they see their parents eat fruits and vegetables. Also, your feeding "style" can encourage healthy eating behaviors.
Provide nutritious food not just at meal time. Have healthy snacks for your child to munch on in-between meals, like pre-cut and ready to eat fruits, vegies, and cheese for quick and easy access.
Include Your Child in Meal Planning and Preparation
Use young children’s natural curiosity and helpfulness to include them in planning and preparing a meal. Have small jobs they can assist you with. This will build your children’s self-confidence and, better yet, encourage them to eat the foods they help fix. Examples of tasks they can help with include (go here for more suggestions):
For example: you could ask, “What vegetables should we serve tonight, peas or green beans?”
Let them wash off the fruits or vegetables. Allow them to help you stir what you’re making in the mixing bowl.
Ask for their help in setting the table, folding the napkins, getting the condiments on the table, and so forth.
Eat dinner as a family
For younger children, eating dinner as a family provides an important routine. It offers them a sense of security and a feeling of belonging in the family. Benefits of eating meals as a family include:
You help set the tone for the family meal, so go in with excitement and enthusiasm. Be eager to hear how everyone’s day went. Learning healthy eating habits is one of the possible benefits for children whose families share meals together. When you lead by example and make healthy eating choices more available, your children are more likely to follow along.
For more information about eating dinner as a family:
For more information about healthy foods and serving sizes go to:
Author: Lydia Lorang, Dept of Human Development and Family Studies, Auburn University