Fueling Little Bodies and Minds: Healthy Eating Tips for Preschoolers


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.


Did You Know?

Most preschoolers need between 1,000 to 1,600 calories a day, depending on their age, size, and gender.

Here are some strategies to help you navigate the world of preschool nutrition and encourage healthy eating habits:

1 . Share the Responsibility

Adopt the "division of responsibility" approach to meals:

  • You Decide:
  • What foods are offered, when they are offered, and where they are eaten.

  • Your Child Decides
  • How much they eat (or whether they eat at all)

    This approach helps avoid power struggles and encourages children to listen to their bodies.

    2 . Power Up with Breakfast

    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.

    3 . Pack Smart Lunches

  • Favorites First
  • Choose lunch items you know your child enjoys. Don't pack rejected dinner leftovers hoping for a change of heart.

  • Variety is Key
  • Offer a rotating selection of healthy, non-processed foods to keep things interesting.

  • Peer Pressure Can Be Positive
  • Ask your child what their friends are eating. Sometimes, seeing their peers enjoy certain foods can encourage them to try new things.

    4 . Encourage Activity

    The more active your child is, the hungrier they'll be! Make sure they get plenty of opportunities to run, jump, and play.

    5 . Family Mealtime Magic

  • Set an Example
  • Eating dinner together as a family is a powerful way to model healthy eating habits.

  • Explore New Foods
  • Make mealtime an adventure by trying new foods together.

    6 . Say "No" to Food Rewards

    Avoid using sweets or treats as rewards. This can create unhealthy associations with food and make vegetables seem like a punishment.

    7 . Persistence with New Foods

    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.

    8 . . Little Chefs in the Kitchen

    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.

    9 . Relax and Trust the Process

    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.