One of the best things about for us at Tara’s Tiny Tots is that we enjoy breakfast, lunch, and snacks together in much the same way as your family does. Our meal- and snack times are special. We are moving toward a more family meal time approach were the children help set the table, we sit and eat together, and the children help clean up afterward. You might be surprised, in the coming months, to see a 2-year-old carefully pouring milk into a cup from a small pitcher. You might also see our preschool children passing bowls of food and serving themselves, or helping to clean up spilled milk. While we eat, we chat about what we’ve done during the day and whether we like a food that the children are trying for the first time. The goal ultimately, is that the children often help prepare the healthy meals and snacks we eat, and in the process they are proud of this accomplishment.
Mealtimes and related activities, such as setting the table, washing hands, talking with others at the table, and brushing teeth, are all learning opportunities.
Snacks and meals give your child a chance to feel cared for and to develop self-care, communication, and social skills. Mealtimes also give children chances to begin practicing good manners and healthy habits.
Here are some ways for us to work together:
Start by asking your self the following questions:
What does your child eat and drink?
What are your child’s favorite foods?
What foods does your child dislike?
Do you have special family foods?
What do you talk about?
If we know this, we can talk about family meals and serve some of the same food here at the daycare! This will help your child feel connected with you during the day.
Join us for a snack or meal whenever you can.
Your child will love having you with us. So will we. In addition, you will have a chance to see how we do things, to ask questions, and to make suggestions. Of course, if you are nursing your child, please come at any time. We have a comfortable place where you can feed your baby without interruption.
Communicate about changes in your child’s diet or eating habits.
For example, please let us know when your pediatrician recommends adding new foods for your baby. After you introduce a food at home, we will introduce it here at the daycare. We can also work together when your baby is weaned from the bottle. Let us know if your toddler’s appetite is changing, or if your preschool or school-age child is refusing to eat a food he or she used to like.
Be sure to give us any information we need to keep your child healthy. For example, let us know if your child has food allergies or a tendency to gag or choke. Please keep me informed of any changes.
Together, we can make mealtimes enjoyable and valuable learning experiences for your child.