Kiddipedia
As parents, we want the best for our children. From a quality education to a nurturing home environment, we strive to provide them with the tools they need to thrive in life. However, one aspect of their development that can often be overlooked is nutrition education. Yet, it is perhaps one of the most crucial components in setting our children up for a lifetime of health and wellness.
At Queensland Childcare Services (QCCS), we understand the vital role that nutrition plays in a child’s overall wellbeing. That’s why we’ve made it a cornerstone of our curriculum, weaving the idea that food ingredients should come from the kitchen, not from a lab, into every aspect of our food programs. In fact, we have our own Accredited Practising Dietitian and chef, Mr Jim Arrowgros, affectionately known as Mr Jim. He regularly engages with our childcare centres to conduct nutrition workshops and impart cookery skills.
So why is nutrition education so important, and what are the benefits for our children?
First and foremost, teaching children about nutrition helps them develop a healthy relationship with food from an early age. By introducing them to a variety of foods and teaching them about the importance of balanced meals, we empower them to make informed choices about what they eat. This not only supports their physical health but also fosters positive eating habits that can last a lifetime.
Nutrition education has also been shown to have a positive impact on children’s academic performance and cognitive development. When children eat nutritious meals, they have the energy and focus they need to succeed in the classroom. By educating children about the role that different foods play in fuelling their bodies and minds, we are setting them up for success academically and beyond.
But perhaps most importantly, teaching children about nutrition instils in them a sense of empowerment and autonomy over their health. When children understand the connection between what they eat and how they feel, they are more likely to make healthy choices independently. This not only reduces their risk of chronic diseases later in life but also equips them with the knowledge and skills they need to lead happy, healthy lives.
That’s why at QCCS we take a holistic approach to nutrition education. From learning about different food groups to hands-on cooking experiences in our in-house kitchen facilities, children can engage in interactive lessons and activities such as our Veggie Fun Program, Taste the Rainbow and the Five Senses Program that educate them on the important role different foods play in fuelling their bodies and minds.
But our commitment to nutrition education doesn’t stop there. We understand that nutrition education isn’t something that’s only taught in the classroom, which is why we also work closely with parents to reinforce healthy eating habits at home. We provide resources and support to help families make nutritious choices – including offering take-home meals from our in-house dietitian and chef. By partnering with parents, we create a united front in promoting healthy eating habits and help to ensure that our children have the best possible start in life.
So, what can parents do to start helping their children build healthy habits around nutrition?
- Involve children in meal planning and preparation: Engaging children in meal planning and preparation can instil a sense of ownership and excitement about healthy eating. Parents can involve children in grocery shopping, meal prep, and cooking, allowing them to explore different foods and learn valuable cooking skills.
- Offer a variety of foods: Introducing children to a wide variety of foods early on can help expand their palate and encourage them to try new things. Parents can offer a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins, exposing children to different flavours and textures.
- Create a positive eating environment: Mealtime should be a positive and enjoyable experience for children, free from pressure or coercion. Parents can create a relaxed atmosphere by sitting down together as a family for meals, limiting distractions like screens, and engaging in conversation.
- Encourage balanced meals and snacks: Parents can encourage balanced meals and snacks by offering a combination of food groups at each meal. Encouraging children to eat a variety of colours and textures ensures they get a wide range of nutrients.
- Teach mindful eating habits: Encouraging children to listen to their bodies’ hunger and fullness cues promotes mindful eating habits. Parents can help children recognise when they’re hungry and when they’re satisfied, fostering a healthy relationship with food.
At the end of the day, nutrition education is not just about ensuring children eat their fruits and vegetables — it’s about setting them up for a lifetime of health, wellness, and mindful eating habits. Because when we teach children about nutrition from an early age, we empower children with confidence and knowledge, fostering positive relationships with food and helping to lay the foundation for a healthier future for generations to come.
To be attributed to Laura Faalili, General Manager at Queensland Childcare Services
