Be a Mealtime Mentor
As caregivers of young children, you know that children will copy your behaviors and your words.
But, have you ever thought about how they also copy your eating habits? You can do many
things to help children develop healthy habits at a young age that will last them a lifetime.
Remember that children pick up on not just behaviors, but also attitudes. The single best thing you
can do to be a positive role model
for healthy eating is to eat meals
with the children. It sounds simple,
but it is very powerful.
Why should you eat
with the children?
Doing this provides you with
the opportunity to engage in
conversation, teach manners and
avert big spills and arguments.
Also, mealtimes will last longer and
the children will enjoy eating more
of the meal that you worked so
hard to prepare.
Teaching Nutrition
at Mealtimes
Katie Molstad, Inver Grove Heights, PCI Member since 1999
Teaching children about nutrition
at mealtimes can be a fun way to introduce new foods and teach them where the food comes
from. Children are more inclined to try new foods when they see you eating them. In this video
series created by the Center for Nutrition, Gretchen Swanson introduces practical approaches for
provides and parents alike. She also includes a workbook to follow your progress. Simply click on
the video to watch this 5 part video series. http://centerfornutrition.org/teach-kids-nutrition/
“Critical to
children’s comfort,
and success with
eating, is having
meals with a
trusted grown up.”
_ Ellyn Satter
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Family Therapist
The Feeding and Eating Experts
ellynsatterinstitute.org
4 PROVIDERS VOICE
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