Being a Role Model for Healthy Eating
Early years providers play a very important role in creating and maintaining a healthy environment in their centres. The example providers set is extremely important in fostering healthy children. Some ways that you can model healthy choices include:
- Eat what you hope children will eat. Avoid telling them your food is adult food.
- Eat where you expect children to eat. Sit with them at mealtime and enjoy your meals together.
- Discuss what you are eating – what are you enjoying, what textures are in your food. Ask children if they have eaten what you are eating, and encourage them to ask questions about their meals.
- Eat portions that demonstrate appropriate portion size. Show the children in your care that your meal might be larger, but it contains the same food groups. Â Eat small amounts and have more if you still feel hungry.
- Try new foods with children. If there is a food you avoid, explain why.
- If possible, grow or prepare food together.
- Offer new foods to children , but don’t force them to eat a food they refuse.
- Involve children in making food choices for special events.Â
Adapted from http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_center/, www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/ and decoda.ca/children-families/leap-bc