For infants, toddlers and preschoolers it is very important for them to develop good eating habits. By beginning good habits at such a young age, the children will learn to carry these habits with them to ensure good health in their futures.
For infants, it is important t keep them at a diet that their stomachs can handle. Their growth and development is directly related to their nutrition. During the first four to six months their bodies can only digest breast milk or formula. Infants do not have teeth to chew and cannot use their tongues to push solid foods. The kidneys are too immature to handle the wastes of solid food and they cannot digest solid foods. If they are introduced to solid foods before they are ready, allergic reactions, cramping, and crying can occur (Robertson, 2010, p295).
For toddlers, good nutrition is important because it allows a child to grow, learn, and play (Robertson, 2010, p306). However, around this age, it becomes difficult to ensure the child’s good nutrition because of their development of a sense of self and self-rule, or autonomy (Robertson, 2010, p306). Encouraging the children to try new, healthier foods such as vegetables can help the child develop a healthier diet. Also, during meal time in the early childhood setting, when children are allowed to self-select and serve themselves, they are less likely to overeat and be hungry afterwards (Robertson, 2010, p264).
Lastly, preschoolers rely on a good, healthy, well-balanced diet to provide energy for their bodies. During this age group, children are growing and developing, becoming more physically active. A healthy diet helps to keep them full of energy. During the preschool age, the children do what they see others doing and are more willing to try new things together. This makes them more likely to eat more servings of the basic food groups (Robertson, 2010, p314). In this case, the adult becomes an active role model in making sure that the children eat healthy meals.
As an adult in the life of a child, it is important for the adult to be a role model and ensure a good, healthy, well-balanced meal for the children. In the early childhood setting tow ways this can be accomplished is by sitting with the children during meal time and by eating the same meals they are. During meal times, teachers who sit and eat with children and talk to them about what they are eating can increase the children’s intake of good foods; improving their nutrition (Robertson, 2010, p324). Also, when the teacher eats the same meal as the students, he or she is modeling that the food is just as “acceptable” to them as it is for the children (Robertson, 2010, p309).
One nutritious recipe that family members can make with preschoolers that is not only healthy, but also fun, is called “Ants on a Log”. It consists of celery cut about 3 inches long or apples cut in quarters. The children then spread peanut butter or cream cheese on the log. They then top with raisins to make the bugs. The adult has the celery or apples already cut in advance and assist the child in spreading the peanut butter or cream cheese with a plastic knife or spoon. The child can put the raisins on themselves. The celery or apple resembles the log and the raisins the ants. This snack provides foods from the vegetable or fruit group, and protein from the peanut butter.
A second nutritional recipe is Strawberry Yogurt Crepes, which consists of fresh strawberries, yogurt (flavor of your choice), and prepackaged crepes. Show your toddler how to but the strawberries using a plastic knife. Allow them to try on their own, assist as necessary. Have the preschooler lay the crepe flat on a plate, then spread the yogurt in a line from one corner to the other, next sprinkle the cut strawberries along the yogurt. Have the preschooler wrap the crepe closed by folding outside corners across the yogurt and fruit. They may add whip cream and more fruit to the top of finished product. This is nutritious because they are being provided foods that contain dairy and fruit.
The last nutritious recipe is Banana Pops; this is a very simple recipe. Have the children put a skewer through the banana, they can then dip it a yogurt of their choice. Lastly, roll it in nuts, coconut, or granola. Have them place in the freezer and take out for later for a cold healthy snack. This recipe is again nutritious because it is providing fruit and dairy. If using the nuts or granola you are providing a source of protein also.
Cooking with preschoolers can be made a fun learning experience by first and foremost allowing plenty of time to prepare the recipes. You also should have everything ready before starting. All the ingredients and supplies are already out and ready for your preschooler, keeping in mind that preschoolers still have short attention spans. Then most importantly take the time to teach your preschooler, for example show your preschooler how to slice the fruit you chose and then let them try slicing it themselves. Involving your preschooler throughout the entire process will prove to be a better learning experience.
References
Robertson, Cathie. (2010). Safety, nutrition and health in early education. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Pub Co.
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