Your preschooler is a whirlwind of energy, growing and learning at an incredible pace. Providing them with the right nutrients is crucial for their development and well-being. But with picky eaters being the norm at this age, it can be a challenge.
Most preschoolers need between 1,000 to 1,600 calories a day, depending on their age, size, and gender.
Adopt the "division of responsibility" approach to meals:
What foods are offered, when they are offered, and where they are eaten.
How much they eat (or whether they eat at all)
This approach helps avoid power struggles and encourages children to listen to their bodies.
A protein-packed breakfast sets the stage for a day of learning and play. If your child is a breakfast eater, take advantage of this opportunity to fuel them up with nutritious foods.
Choose lunch items you know your child enjoys. Don't pack rejected dinner leftovers hoping for a change of heart.
Offer a rotating selection of healthy, non-processed foods to keep things interesting.
Ask your child what their friends are eating. Sometimes, seeing their peers enjoy certain foods can encourage them to try new things.
The more active your child is, the hungrier they'll be! Make sure they get plenty of opportunities to run, jump, and play.
Eating dinner together as a family is a powerful way to model healthy eating habits.
Make mealtime an adventure by trying new foods together.
Avoid using sweets or treats as rewards. This can create unhealthy associations with food and make vegetables seem like a punishment.
Keep offering new foods, even if they are initially rejected. It can take multiple exposures for a child to decide if they like something. Try different preparations to make it more appealing.
Get your child involved in food preparation. Letting them help with age-appropriate tasks like measuring, stirring, and mixing can spark their interest in healthy eating and teach valuable life skills.
Try to relax and avoid power struggles over food. Children are more likely to develop healthy eating habits in a supportive and stress-free environment.
By following these tips, you can help your preschooler develop a positive relationship with food and set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy eating.
Stepping Stone Children's Academy in Bentonville, AR: Where learning and healthy eating go hand-in-hand. Our experienced teachers, engaging programs, and fresh, nutritious meals cooked on-site nourish your child's mind and body.
Experience the Stepping Stone difference in Bentonville, AR. We offer more than just childcare - our experienced teachers, engaging programs, and nutritious meals made fresh daily provide a foundation for your child to thrive.