Set a Good Example

Caption for illustration:   Kids learn from watching you.  Eat fruits and veggies and they will too.

Your child picks up all of your attitudes and behaviors-- including your eating habits!

Preschoolers love to copy what their parents do. They are likely to mimic your table manners, your likes and dislikes, your willingness to try new foods, and your physical activities.

Tips for Setting a Good Example

• Eat together.  Eat meals with your child whenever possible. Let your child see you enjoying fruits, vegetables and whole grains at meals and snacks.
• Take it with you.  Show your child how to make healthy choices when you are on the run. Put oranges, bananas, or other fruits in your bag for quick snacks. Let your child see that you like to munch on vegetables when you're on the go.
• Share the adventure Be willing to try new foods, and try new foods together
• Cook together.  Encourage your preschooler to help you prepare meals and snacks. Teach your child to tear lettuce or add veggie toppings to pizza.  Cooking together can mean more “mommy (or daddy) and me” time on busy days.
• Discourage older children and other family members from making yucky faces or negative comments about unfamiliar foods.
• Set a good example for physical activity, too.  Make play time a family time.  Walk, run, and play with your child rather than sitting on the sidelines.

More on Healthy Eating Habits:

• Offer a Variety of Foods
• Start Small with Portions
• Help Them Know When They've Had Enough
• Follow a Meal and Snack Schedule
• Make Mealtime a Family Time
• Cope with a Picky Eater
• Help Them Try New Foods
• Make Food Fun