- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
Children like eating familiar foods, so it can be hard for them to try something new.
Giving children the chance to become familiar with new foods – rather than being forced to eat them – will make it easier for parents to provide a healthful, varied diet to their children.
Help children explore the fuzzy skins of kiwis and the mushy flesh of avocados. Allow them to compare the taste of sour apples with the taste of sweet melons.
Encourage them to crunch loudly on celery, jicama and sugar snap peas. Point out the beauty of bright red peppers, purple beets and orange nectarines.
Cook together and encourage the children taste as you go. Then, let the children decide whether to eat the new food.
Don't give up if it doesn't happen the first time. Some children need to be served a new food up to 15 times before they even try it.
With you by their side, your children will grow healthy, active and happy.
- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
Throughout childhood, children grow steadily and develop new skills.
Each child's growth and development happens at a different rate, but all children have growth spurts and periods of slow growth. Some children gain weight before they grow taller, while others will grow taller, and then gain weight.
It's a good idea to pay attention to your children's growth. Sudden weight gains or losses should be discussed with the doctor. A poor appetite for a long time could be a problem, but if the child has energy and feels okay, he or she is probably growing normally.
A child's appetite may increase during a growth spurt; that's a good time to provide additional healthful food or introduce new healthy foods.
To promote your children's normal growth and development, schedule regular medical visits, serve nutritious foods, give them water to drink and encourage physical activity by playing together.
With you by their side, your children will grow healthy, active and happy.
- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
Routines are good for children. A regular routine lets children know what to expect so they feel safe and secure. Keep a daily routine for bedtime, waking up, eating, shopping, bathing, playing and other things you do.
An erratic meal schedule, for example, can confuse children. They may eat too much because they don't know when food will be available again. If your child wants to play during mealtime, tell him or her, “It's mealtime now. You don't have to eat, but you do have to sit with the family.”
Once you have planned a routine, tell your children about it. Remind them what you will be doing next and praise them when they learn the routine.
Even though routines are a good idea, remember to be flexible when necessary. If your child is having a bad day, feel free to alter your plans, but get back to your routine as soon as possible.
With you by their side, your children will grow healthy, active and happy.
- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
If your children misbehave, it may be just to get attention, because they are hungry or because they are tired. But there are ways parents can prevent misbehavior before it happens.
Children learn faster when they are praised for good behavior, than when they are punished for poor behavior. Affirm good behavior by saying, for example, “You were a good helper,” “You were patient while we waited,” and “Look how nice you made the table look.”
Advance planning is another way to prevent misbehavior. For example, before heading out of the house for a long shopping trip, pack some healthy snacks to give the children when they are hungry. Before entering a store, explain to the child what to expect. You might say, “There are lots of things you'll want inside, but we can only buy what is on our list.”
Never use food to reward good behavior – it could cause eating problems in the future. Also, don't send children to bed without dinner to punish poor behavior.
With you by their side, your children will grow healthy, active and happy.
- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
Children who spend more time with the parents tend to be happier and learn better.
A good way to spend time together is eating together as a family.
During family mealtime, children can practice conversational skills, learn good table manners and learn how to make healthy food choices.
It's important to maintain a positive atmosphere around the table. Avoid topics that might cause conflict, and instead, ask the children about their favorite part of the day, recall things you've done together, or plan a family outing.
For best results, set regular meal times so children can learn the routine.
Turn of the TV and ask the children to help set the table and prepare the food.
With you by their side, your children will grow healthy, active and happy.