Mealtime Strategies for Healthy Eating

Creating Peaceful Mealtimes

• Strategy 3 involves using process-centered comments to support children in understanding and expressing their hunger and fullness signals.
• This approach promotes a positive and respectful mealtime environment, reducing power struggles and promoting healthy eating habits.

Describing Their Actions

• Educators can help children recognize their hunger and fullness cues by describing their actions.
• Examples: "I see you're asking for more, it looks like you're still hungry" or "You've stopped eating and told me you're finished. It seems like you're full now."

Validating Their Feelings

• Validating children's feelings helps them feel understood and supported, making them more likely to express their feelings openly.
• Examples: "It seems like you're feeling a bit unsure about this new food. That's okay, it's normal to feel a little nervous about trying something new."

Using Encouraging Language

• Encouraging language reinforces positive behaviors around eating, such as trying new foods or listening to their bodies' signals.
• Examples: "I really like how you're listening to your body and deciding when you're full. That's a great way to take care of yourself!" or "Wow, you gave that new vegetable a try even though it looked different. That's so brave!"

The Impact of Process-Centered Comments

• Using process-centered comments creates an environment where children feel seen, heard, and supported.
• This approach helps children develop a better understanding of their hunger and fullness signals, leading to more peaceful mealtimes.
• It also supports the development of emotional intelligence in children, contributing to their social-emotional development and overall well-being.

Learn about strategy 3 for creating a positive mealtime environment, promoting healthy eating habits and reducing power struggles in children.