I really do try to offer healthy options for my children at each meal, but have not done such a great job of explaining the food pyramid or recommended daily servings to my three year olds. As a matter of fact, the best I have been able to manage to this point is a talk about 'good energy' which sounded a lot more like an episode of Oprah than a nutrition lesson.Hanging this tracking board in the kitchen has already opened up conversations at every meal in a way that has my children at least interested in making good choices. (Hey! It is a start!) They really love the incentive aspect of moving their magnets. The visual presentation is also helpful in teaching them about nutrition. Additionally, it has been great accountability for me and a source of reinforcement for my decision to not allow any more 'sweet treats' late in the day. I foresee that this will also help the children feel empowered to make better choices.
They might even realize chicken fingers, pizza snacks and fruit snacks are not food groups! Every little bit helps.
Thanks, Lucia, for such a terrific (and helpful) treat!
5 comments:
Just got caught up on the last few posts - LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the one where you describe each son - how different and individual they each are. A friend of mine has twin sons and they are like night and day in that way too...I LOVE how individual God is. I wanted to THANK YOU for sharing this "feed your chickens" idea - I have been really trying to figure out a way to teach my girls about what to eat, how much to eat, and why...or at least what is recommended...this is SO creative. I am going to go check out the website - but THANK you for sharing it! I hope you had a wonderful weekend...
Oh before I forget I wanted to tell you something (sorry for the super long comment) but there have been times in my life in which people helped me out - they were SO important and yet I was so ungrateful...not realizing that God had used them mightily until years later in some cases...I read a post a few days ago on your blog that sounded like you had tried to help someone and maybe they did not realize or were not appreciative (if I misunderstood the post I am sorry) - but please do not stop being kind and do not loose hope. God will use who you are and your precious heart to bless SO many - you will probably be astounded when you reach heaven and see how He used you! I know for a fact that this blog is a HUGE blessing to me as a mommy and it really encourages and challenges me. SO I just wanted to tell you that - Sunshine
This looks fantastic--I'm going to get one. Thanks for sharing!
This looks like it will be a great tool.
Supper time at our house is the worst. I put healthy items on thier plate but it is hard as hubby is a picky eater and doesn't eat many veggies except green beans and potatos....I do have a rule that they have to take one bite of everything. Beyond that if they don't eat, it is ok with me but I am not making anything else. Which leads to 2 or 3 things at breakfast the next morning.
Maybe I will try appealing to being healthier.
Thanks for the link!
in HIM -
Mindy
Great resourse. Thanks Jennifer.
Davis
Such a cool chart! I'm so glad spring is here because my 3 year old loves going to the Farmers' Market (plus it's a great Saturday activity when Daddy's on call!) Also, we just covered the food pyramid in our preschool program and here are a couple of fun links if you want to let them do something on the computer.
http://www.nickjr.com/shows/dora/dora_show_food_pyramid/dora_food_pyramid.jhtml
http://www.nickjr.com/shows/dora/dora_show_food_pyramid/kids_portions_flex.jhtml
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