Seven Healthy & Child-friendly Habits You Can Form

1. Keep snacks simple: a piece of fruit or handful of nuts
2. Eat the rainbow! Create colourful plates with a variety of vegetables
3. Involve little ones in cooking, even if they are just watching while you explain the process they are still learning
4. Limit sugary drinks, including juices
5. Take it slow: don’t rush mealtimes. It can be frustrating when children eat slowly, but this helps them assess their appetite and stop when full
6. Do not punish a child for not eating, as it can develop a negative association. In some cases, they may feel the need to eat everything on their plate, thereby overeating and not listening to their bodies
7. Avoid using food as a reward, as it can teach them to rely on it for comfort. Praise and encouragement, sometimes with a hug, can be enough reward for a child

Source: The Importance of Nutrition in Early Childhood (kidsclubchildcare.com.au)

Food and Kids: 10 Tips (pdf)

Grocery Shopping Tips (pdf)

Healthy Sleep - Healthy Brain (pdf)

My Plate Food Guide (pdf)

Supporting the Conncecting Brain during Adolescence (pdf)

Wellness, Sleep & Nutrition Resources

Foster Parents’ Nutritional Strategies and Children’s Well-Being | researchgate.net

Fostering Health: Standards of Care for Children in Foster Care | aap.org

Healing from Food Insecurity: Beyond the Stash | Families Rising

Healthy Nutrition for Children in Foster Care | American Bar Association

Menu Food Choice Board for Foster Parents (YouTube)

Nutritional Status of Foster Children in the U.S.: Implications for cognitive and behavioral development | PMC (nih.gov)

Our Story | SPOON

Relationship-Building Strategies for Adoptive and Foster Parents to Address Picky Eating and Feeding Challenges

The Importance of Nutrition in Early Childhood | kidsclubchildcare.com.au

USDA MyPlate Nutrition Information for Kids