Providers Voice Spring/Summer 2014 | Page 4

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 s, Avoid bribe threats or get discipline to t. ea children to