Understanding how the stages of development affect childrens dietary behaviors can be helpful. These different abilities affect what parents can expect. Encourage parents to know their children's needs at different stages of development.
Childrens tendency to like things that are familiar means it can take time to introduce new foods. Some children need to be served a new food 15 times or more before they will even try it. Parents may become frustrated and discouraged after such repeated refusals.
Letting young children explore new foods when they are ready makes trying new foods less scary. It can help when new foods appeal to childrens senses (fun shapes, colors and smells).
Making changes to children's diets and physical activity starts with the adults in the house. When caregivers eat healthy diets and are physically active, children tend to follow. In part this is because the adults are usually in charge of buying groceries and determining the meals.
Make changes together with children. Let children see you eating healthy and being physically active. Join children in doing the positive behaviors being promoted. Use shared experiences with new behaviors to establish a new routine for the entire household.
Website Resources CDC Positive Parenting First 5 California National Association for the Education of Young Children Choose MyPlate-Preschool The importance of adult role models for children's development: http://centerforparentingeducation.
Marcus, age 8, and Emma, age 10, are at a Sunday afternoon party. A buffet lunch is being served. How should their parents approach feeding them?Children's needs change as they grow older.
