Del Norte Child Care Council Newsletter Articles

Making Mealtimes Pleasant

Try these easy ways to make meals a pleasant part of your day care or family routine:

Set a regular mealtime. Regular mealtimes give children a better chance to eat a variety of foods and get the right amount to grow and stay healthy.
Make it simple, make it quick! Spend less time in the kitchen and more time at the table. Simple meals taste just as good as meals that take more time. You can make any meal feel special if you are relaxed and mealtime is filled with caring and laughter.
Show that meals are important. During mealtime turn off TV. Let the answering machine take your phone calls. Have your family make calls before or after mealtime.
Eat around a table. It’s easier to talk and listen when you face each other.
Enjoy meal talk. Make easy conversation without nagging or complaining. Talk so everyone can be a “star” at mealtime. Don’t take over. Your children will listen and learn by feeling included.
Be realistic about mealtime. Try to sit down together. Keep meals from lasting too long. If kids get fussy your meal will not be fun. Wait until everyone is done to excuse children from the table.

Adapted from USDA Publication "Nibbles for Health"