Does Your Family Follow The Eating Rules?

Has this ever happened to you: Your active toddler or preschooler is hungry for snacks all day, but when meal-time rolls around they barely nibble on what you’ve prepared? It’s a common over-snacking trap many parents and caregivers find themselves in.

You can break the snacking cycle! Use these simple eating rules with children to help get a healthy meal schedule back on track:

1. Serve 3 meals at about the same times each day.

2. The kitchen is closed between meals and snacks.

3. Ask before you take food.

It is also important for parents to know that YOU decide what foods your child eats for a snack. It starts by choosing healthy foods from the store to stock in your pantry and refrigerator.

Teach your child to ask you before he takes food to snack on. Remember, you are the gatekeeper for snack and mealtime. Create a schedule for snacks and meals, and limit snacking all day long. Don't let your child graze on food all day long. He won't be hungry at mealtimes and may refuse to eat. You may not want him to eat a snack, if dinner is going to be served in ½ hour.

While you decide the what and when of snack and meal time, let your child decide how much he will eat. This is how they learn to recognize the internal cues that tell them when they're hungry and when they're full.

Learn more about healthy eating tips and recipes for your young children from UC Cooperative Extension Nutrition Best program.