Learning nutritious eating behaviors at an early age provides children with the tools they need to live healthy lives. According to the American Dietetic Association, in addition to promoting physical growth, good nutrition practices stimulate cognitive, social and emotional maturation and development. Eating patterns of parents and other caregivers influence preschoolers' attitudes towards food. Your child's school nutrition curriculum can even be reviewed at home to increase understanding. Comprehensive information and activities are easily accessed from reputable online sources.
Step 1
Model healthy nutrition behaviors for children by eating nutrient rich foods from the five food groups at every meal and low-sugar, low-fat snacks for between meal energy. Provide fruits, vegetables and other healthful food choices for caregivers so your child can see all his role models eating healthfully.
Step 2
Include daily nutrition activities in your child's day. There are many ways to informally add food and nutrition lessons to play time. Food-related puzzles and coloring books are fun after school projects. Read books about food at bed time. Classics include "Eating the Alphabet" and "Stone Soup".
Step 3
Teach your preschooler food facts by asking about color, texture and smell. Take him to the supermarket and let him pick out fruits and vegetables for the family. Discuss where various foods come from, such as corn from the soil or milk from a cow.
Step 4
Find out if your child's school has a nutrition curriculum. Review lessons taught and explain ideas that may be confusing. Third and fourth grade students understand concepts such as, "Why do we need calcium?"
Step 5
Make nutrition part of the conversation at family meals. Encourage young children to inform others about food facts they've learned. Start educating elementary school children on what food advertising is and why it is on TV.
Tips and Warnings
- Many nutrition downloads are available in Spanish.
- Never reward or punish behavior by offering or withholding food. Don't make lessons difficult or scold your child for not knowing answers; negativity can affect his attitudes towards food.
Things You'll Need
- Downloaded nutrition materials
- Library books
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