It’s easy to let nutrition fall to the wayside with you and your child’s busy schedules. Picky eaters can also be difficult to work with. However, healthy eating is a crucial part of wellness and development. Providing a well-balanced breakfast before preschool, as well as healthy lunches, dinners, and snacks, can have lasting benefits, so use the following advice.

How to Create Healthier Eating Habits

1. Eat Together

Many children won’t look forward to a plate of steamed vegetables, grilled meat, and whole grains right off the bat. Help them learn to enjoy these meals by eating together and setting a positive example. Try to have dedicated family dining time without distractions like smartphones or TV. It’s an excellent way to bond and cultivate social development outside of preschool—with studies also linking this daily habit to better academic performance and fewer behavioral issues.

2. Get Them Involved

Children love to explore and experiment, so get them involved. Let them choose healthy fruits, vegetables, and foods at the grocery store and invite them to cook with you, giving them a sense of control. Cooking also requires and encourages creativity, problem-solving, and hand-eye coordination.

3. Have Healthy Snacks on Hand

Much of unhealthy eating comes from snacking. It’s easy to pack your child a pre-packaged, processed side on busy days, so try to prepare ahead of time. Orange slices, carrots with peanut butter, and pretzels are all delicious and loaded with health benefits.

Little Hands at Work & Play encourages healthy living in the classroom and at home. This Omaha, NE, learning center caters to infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children. They take a hands-on approach to learning and development, and their qualified instructors use a curriculum of core subjects. Call (402) 493-6615 to schedule a tour and visit their website to learn more about their child care services. Connect on Facebook for news and updates.