Making Mealtimes Pleasant (2502)

Feeding your preschooler may be easier if you follow these tips:

1. Preschoolers will be more likely to eat if they help with the meal.

2. Serve smaller food portions cut into small bites to fit small mouths. Some parents worry because their child seems to eat small amounts of food, compared to adult size portions. If children are growing, then they're probably getting enough to eat. One tablespoon of each food item for every year of your child's age is a good general rule for preschoolers.

3. Prepare the same food different ways. Include a variety of colors.

4. Don't allow children to see your food dislikes. They may imitate your behavior and refuse that food.

5. Never force your child to eat. It's important to provide regular scheduled meals and snack times. Children will feel secure knowing that food will be available at these times.

6. Avoid using food as a reward for good behavior or withholding it as punishment. If there's an overemphasis on food during the preschool years, there's a risk of developing eating disorders later in life.

7. Make mealtime and snack time a social event in a pleasant atmosphere. Avoid distractions such as the television and stereo. Eating with your children allows you to bond with them.

8. Let preschoolers feed themselves. Making a mess is normal. Children are developing their fine motor skills, such as hand and wrist coordination. Cover the floor and table with washable placemats. Covering your child's clothing with a "bib" is also a good idea.

In addition, parents should remember:

- Parents are responsible for the what, when and where of feeding young children.

     - What to serve

     - When to serve food

     - Where food is eaten

- Children are responsible for the how much and the whether or not to eat.

- Children know when they are full.

Remembering this division of responsibility will help make mealtimes pleasant.

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

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