Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Julia Luckenbill
Being persistent and providing Positive role modeling correlates a vegetable item, then teachers can
repeated exposures to foods is impor- with an increased interest in food include both of these items in their
tant for both teachers and families. and less food fussiness among chil- lunches. If children have milk, water,
Avoid temptations to remove healthy dren (Gregory, Paxton, & Borzovic or 100 percent fruit juice as a bever-
foods from the programs meal or 2010). Poor role models influence age, teachers should drink these same
snack menus just because children childrens perceptions of foods and beverages.
reject them. Support families in con- mealtimes (Matheson, Spranger, & Interesting and engaging mealtime
tinuing to offer lunch items even if Saxe 2002). For example, negative conversations create greater food
their child does not consume the food comments about the taste or texture enjoyment (Hughes et al. 2007). Adults
on a given day. When serving a new of a food will make a child less willing can talk positively about the foods
item such as snap peas at snack time, to try it. On the other hand, a child is they are eating and also invite the
include it two or three times a month more likely to try a food if he or she children to describe colors, tastes
and encourage children to look, smell, observes an adult enjoying it. (sweet, sour, salty), and textures
touch, and taste the new food. It is Teachers and caregivers become (crunchy, smooth, stringy). However,
perfectly acceptable for a child to role models by engaging with children the conversation should not be about
avoid a new vegetable the first several at mealtime and sitting down and eat-
times it is offered. Inviting children ing with them. This practice is often
to touch and smell the food helps called family-style dining. When early
them take small steps toward tasting. childhood programs provide meals, Teachers and care-
Encouraging rather than requiring chil- teachers and staff can model healthy
dren to eat a food is the key objective. eating behaviors by eating the same
givers become role
foods the children eat. models by engaging
Staff who bring their lunches can
Food behavior models
model the same kinds of healthy eat-
with children at meal-
Families are typically childrens first ing as described in the guidelines the time and sitting down
significant models of eating behavior program suggests for families who
(Golan & Weizman 2001). Child care send lunches with their children. For
and eating with them.
providers also are early role models. example, if parents send a fruit and
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cues of hunger and satiety and con- and to bring instead, for example,
tribute to overeating (Satter 2008). It fruits or muffins. Class celebrations
Regardless of the foods
is important for adults to respect the or everyday activities also give young
childs expression of food preference children opportunities to prepare offered at home, the
and fullness (particularly if the child their own foods in the classroom.
early childhood educa-
tastes a food) and to follow a schedule Children enjoy making edible art
that gives children enough time to eat. fruit or vegetable skewers, or snacks tor has the opportunity
resembling animals.
to model selection and
Alternative practices for recognition
and celebration are growing in variety enjoyment of a variety
in early childhood settings. Instead
of foods.
of food, teachers recognize children
by giving them special opportunities,
such as selecting a song for the group
to listen or dance to, choosing a game of binge eating and dietary restraint
to play with friends, or having first among adults (Puhl & Schwartz 2003).
choice of equipment for gross motor A supportive, caring early child-
play. Non-food-related activities, like hood environment offers guidance
bringing a favorite book or game to through adult modeling, serving a
class to read or share with friends, variety of nutritious foods at meals
are other ways to acknowledge and snacks, and exposing children to
individuals. new foods in the classroom. These
practices encourage childrens devel-
opment of healthy eating attitudes
Conclusion and behaviors and promote positive
long-term health outcomes.
Early childhood educators who
NAEYC/Susan Woog Wagner
childhood programs encourage fami- may not only affect childhood health
lies to provide alternatives to fast-food but also have long-lasting implica-
lunch parties or cupcake celebrations tions, such as problematic behaviors