Engaging Children In Nutrition
Action for Children
Transforming the lives of children in central Ohio by supporting their parents, caregivers, and teachers.
As adults, we can all agree that healthy nutrition is important for children! Healthy eating provides children with stable energy and increased alertness, improves mental health, contributes to strong bones and teeth, and can help prevent chronic diseases and obesity.
But despite the benefits of healthy nutrition, getting children excited about it is a different story! To help alleviate some of the difficulties, the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) team at Action for Children has a few suggestions for how everyone – including parents, guardians, grandparents, and child care professionals – can help engage children in nutrition.
Tip 1: Meal planning can be fun AND educational.
As you plan out your weekly or monthly menu, use the process as an educational moment with your child. Give them healthy meal options to choose from and get their input when planning the meal. After you plan out the menu, schedule a trip to the grocery store, farmers market, etc. ?While in the store, have discussions with your child as you shop for the food.?Assist your child with identifying the necessary foods for the meals you’ve planned together.
Tip 2: Make your child’s plate exciting!
One way to add to your child’s nutrition is by incorporating different colors of food. For example, try adding blueberries to their plate and share with the child how blue and purple foods help make their brain stronger. Another example can be adding green vegetables such as lettuce or sharing with the child that eating green foods helps fight off sickness. Using this technique will help expand their interest in trying healthier foods.
Tip 3: Create a calming and encouraging mealtime environment for children.
While at the table, start discussions with your child. Provide your child with a space to share how they feel about the foods they’re eating, while also encouraging them to try new foods. Doing this will help your child feel involved and more inclined to try and explore new foods. Another way to lay the groundwork for mealtime is through reading books about food or mealtime – or using music to get them ready. Ms. Lori, who owns and operates a Family Child Care program and has been in the Child and Adult Care Food Program at Action for Children for nearly 24 years, shared her mealtime playlist with us!
YOUTUBE: Ms. Lori’s Mealtime Playlist
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Tip 4: Ask your children to help set up for mealtime.
When children are involved in the mealtime process, it gives them a reason to look forward to it. It also serves as a lead-in for discussions about what's being served and the nutritional components of the meal. Ask children to do simple tasks like preparing the table settings (utensils, plates, napkins). Tasks like this give children a sense of ownership and can even motivate them to take on more responsibilities with the meal preparation process.
Tip 5: Involve your child in the cooking process.
Start by looking at nutritious cookbooks or recipes and have your child select the recipe. In the selection process, review the ingredients with your child and use this as a tool to educate them on the health benefits of the meal. Another way to involve children in meal preparation is by asking them to complete a task in the meal preparation process. Simple tasks for little ones can include stirring or mixing ingredients, washing produce, or helping you measure ingredients.
We hope these tips help! By starting this process at a young age, you can help further young children’s development and build the foundation for a healthier lifestyle. If you have any of your own tips, share them with us by emailing [email protected]!
Author: Action for Children’s CACFP Team
Action for Children is the local child care resource and referral agency for central Ohio, and is committed to assuring quality early learning experiences for all children. Our services focus on transforming the lives of children by supporting the everyday heroes who most influence our children’s early growth; caregivers, educators, parents, and guardians. Learn More.
The Child and Adult Care Food Program at Action for Children is funded by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce .