Family child care providers have the responsibility to oversee every aspect of the care of children in our centers including their overall health and what they eat.

Children learn through our example, so accompanying them at their meal times, eliminating junk food from the childcare center, eating fruits and vegetables, doing some type of physical activity, and giving choices of what to eat, are some tips that we can take into account so that they grow up to be healthy and happy. Some things to consider are:

1. Eating more fruits and vegetables! Let's eat fresh things.

   To ensure that the child eats his fruits and vegetables, it is important to expose them to vegetables and fruits. (Maramama, 2019). Seeing us eat these foods, buy these foods in the supermarket, and have a variety of fruits and vegetables in our space, will make children feel attracted to these types of foods. According to experts, there will be times when children need to try fruits and vegetables up to 20 times after rejecting them in the first place. Skills such as patience and having a calm attitude, will allow us to re-introduce these foods in the future, offer them in different presentations or accompanied by some other food.

2. If possible, eat with the children, or let them eat among themselves!

   It is always encouraged to eat at the same time with the children to be the first example they have while learning how to try, and eat new fruits and vegetables. This way they can see from their caregiver that these foods are appetizing, healthy, and that they are not consumed as punishment or reward.

Healthy eating habits🍉

Please remember not to use food to negotiate,reward or punish. It’s important not to use phrases like, "eat half and you can get up from the table" or "you won't leave until you finish your vegetables". These phrases, in addition to being violent, are not necessary if as a caregiver, we eat our food with joy, without making judgments about it and with a fun attitude about trying things that are new.

3. Let's avoid junk food, unhealthy snacks, and very sugary sweets!

   Due to their colors, flavors and textures, we know that kids prefer the taste of sweet products, cereals, cookies, snacks and sodas over other types of foods. However, we know that these foods are high in sugar, fat and salt, and that these flavors make them want to eat more. A childcare center free of these foods allows the children to develop a healthy and adequate lifestyle, enjoying other types of products, and learning about their flavors. snacks, junk food, and sugary sweets should be offered to a certain extent, and in controlled spaces.

   In our center let’s try to limit the use of junk food, and if necessary, tell parents to refrain from bringing snacks that are not fruits or vegetables to the center).

Let's make sure kids eat breakfast before coming to the center, in order for them to be able to focus, learn, play, and socialize. Some studies suggest that eating breakfast regularly may reduce the likelihood of children becoming obese (Blondin, 2016).

4. Let's help kids stay active, and on the go!

   It is suggested that preschool children (ages 3-5) should be physically active throughout the day to help them grow and develop. This is why through songs, trips to the park, excursions to the local zoo, library, or visits to sports fields, we can help our kids to remain moving. The recommended physical activity according to the CDA is 3 hours of physical activity per day. Examples like riding a bike, jumping rope and playing basketball, dancing, or playing soccer are some of the ways that children can stay active.

   Lastly, the important thing to do with the children under our care, is to enjoy food and spend quality time with our little ones in charge!

   References

   Blondin , Anzman-Frasca S, Djang HC, Economos CD. Breakfast consumption and adiposity among children and adolescents: an updated review of the literature. Pediatric Obesity. 2016;11(5):333–348. doi: 10.1111/ijpo.12082