Mothers=Role Models
by Jennifer May, M.S., R.D., M.S.

Mother’s Day is a great time to have fun with your family and also to look at the role you play in their lives. After all, you are one of the most influential people in your child’s life. Being a good role model for a healthy lifestyle helps children grow and develop into healthy adults. Let’s take a look at how moms can help children develop healthy eating habits throughout their lifetime:
Offer children a variety of food items so they can obtain a wide array of nutrients.
Be open to new foods and encourage children to try new tastes and textures when eating.

As children get older, encourage them to help with meal preparation. Children can help with grocery lists and menu ideas. Look through a cookbook together and ask them for their opinions on what to try. Let them help in the kitchen. They can locate ingredients, measure amounts, and mix things together. (And they can help clean up the mess!)

Keep some children’s cookbooks at home. This is a great option as kids get older – Williams-Sonoma’s, The Kid’s Cookbook: A great book for kids who love to cook.

Eat healthy daily – let your children see you eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. When the house is filled with healthy foods, everyone will eat and enjoy them.
Keep meals simple – make one meal for the entire family. That way everyone eats together and you don’t feel like you have to make different meals for everyone’s different tastes.
Don’t make food a tool to reward or comfort your children.
Offer options. For example – would you like an apple or some grapes for a snack?
Make meal time a stress-free family affair. Talk about the events of the day and limit distractions – no television, computer or phone calls.
Have a healthy attitude about food and your children will too!