Good Nutrition for Little Ones
1.14.2017
Good Nutrition for Little Ones
By: Betsy Groth; Reprinted from the Old Saybrook Early Education Council publication
The fall and winter holidays are now behind us. It is safe to say that all of these occasions feature food very prominently. Now is a good time to look at how we feed our little ones, not just at the holidays but all year round. Families may consider making a family New Year’s resolution to eat better and to outline specifics ( less processed foods, eliminate cane sugar and high fructose corn syrup, more family involvement in meal planning and cooking are some examples).
Some basics about feeding toddlers and preschoolers:
Almost every child experiences an appetite drop at around his first birthday: Kids simply need fewer calories per pound of body weight for growth. It is rarely a cause for concern unless the child is losing weight. Caregivers should resist the temptation to prepare special meals or offer unhealthy, processed foods to coax the child to eat more. Expect that toddlers and preschoolers will have perhaps one “good” meal per day - and it’s rarely dinner.
It might take many attempts before a toddler will accept a new food: It has been estimated it may range from 10 to 15 times. See also below, ‘No “Food Fights.”’
Feed the little ones what you eat: This is presuming that you have a healthy, varied diet, free of junk and processed food. Make sure foods are cut up in pieces small enough that they do not present a choking hazard.
Keep plates and portions small: This makes eating more appealing and less daunting to youngsters..
Do not expect perfect table manners and do not expect a toddler to sit through a very long meal: Remember, socializing these little ones to proper table manners is a process and demands common sense and some knowledge of child development
No “food fights”: The one thing you do not want to engage in with a toddler is a power struggle; you will lose. In the words of Ellyn Satter, your job is to buy, prepare and serve healthy food. The child’s job is to eat it. Further it is NOT your job to wheedle, threaten, cajole, or prepare “special meals” to substitute for a rejected meal. A hungry child will eat.
Involve children in shopping and food preparation as early as possible: This is a very tall order for busy families, but aim for as much involvement as possible.
Many excellent resources exist for families on how to feed our children healthy and enjoyable foods., and to develop good eating habits for a lifetime. Popular authors include Ellyn Satter and Vicki Lasky.
On holidays, birthdays and vacations, parents and caregivers will mostly try their very best to help the little ones remember what a green vegetable looks and tastes like. (Also , parents: lots of junk food often leads to constipation so don’t be taken by surprise.) . We as adults are also charged with teaching our youngsters gratitude.
Becoming involved as a family in supporting local food banks is a good way to teach our kids how lucky they are to have healthy food easily available.
