Role Modeling - Set a Good Example

Robin Colbert, MS, RD, LDN

Your child is watching your every move! It is natural for them to “copycat” or model every behavior they see. Children learn through observation and imitation. Parents, you have the first and most special opportunity to set the standard. Imagine how you will feel after teaching your child something they will use for life! You are the most influential role model to your children. It starts with you! Adopt a healthy lifestyle and your children will too. Eating habits are learned at an early age so now is a great time to start or start over!

Tips for Parents

Focus on your actions, they speak louder than words! Use MyPyramid to help with meal planning. Try to include a food item from each food group at meal time. Provide a variety of healthy options during meal and snack time. Allow your children to serve themselves. Play “Follow the Leader”. Have he/she follow your lead by selecting a small portion of each food item. Plan to include your child in meal planning and grocery shopping. Have them shout out fruit and veggie ideas to add to the weekly grocery list. Children are great helpers. They feel good about doing something “grown-up.”

How can I help my child eat healthier?

Eat together. Let your child see you enjoying fruit and vegetables at meals and snacks.

Take it with you. Show your child how whole fruit is a great snack to eat at the park or in the shopping mall.

Create a healthy village. They say it takes a village to raise a child. Your village may include extended family members like grandparents, aunts, cousins, and even neighbors. Let them know that you are trying to create a healthful environment for your child and ask for their support.

Share the adventure. Try new fruits, vegetables, and other dishes together.

Fix them together. Teach your child to tear lettuce and add veggie toppings to pizza.

Stay Fit

We make all kinds of tasty sounds and inviting faces trying to convince our children to eat foods that are “good” for them. Try doing the same thing when it comes to being active. Let your children see you sweat and then tell them how good it makes you feel. Children love to play! Being active together is a great way to spend more time with your children. Try taking a walk after dinner or incorporate fun, family activities like, ice skating, sledding, or dancing indoors.

For further information visit:

www.mypyramid.gov
www.fns.usda.gov
www.touchingheartstouchingminds.com

Recipes for Health:

Build your own Pizzas (Yield 2 servings)
www.kidshealth.org

Prep time: about 15 minutes

Ingredients:
1 standard-sized bagel; cut in half
Tomato sauce
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Toppings like diced green pepper, chopped onion, or chopped tomato. Your choice!
Seasonings like oregano, basil, and pepper

Directions:

Preheat the oven to a low heat. Slice bagel in half. Spread tomato sauce on each bagel half. On each half, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the tomato sauce. Add your favorite toppings. Lightly sprinkle seasonings on each half. Put your bagel halves on a baking sheet (Optional: you can layer the pan with tin foil for easy clean-up). Bake for 5 to 8 minutes. Once cheese bubbles, it’s done! Let cool for a minute and enjoy!