The Early Childhood Years

• Young children need to develop healthy eating and physical activity habits early on.  Children pattern habits after parents and caregivers.  Good role models are important.
• Preschoolers quickly grow and change physically, mentally, and socially.
• Preschoolers need healthy food to meet their growth and developmental needs. These can best be met by following national and/or local food guide recommendations for ages 2 - 5.
• Parents and caregivers know the importance of nutrition to a child’s physical and mental development to grow and develop. However, they also need to be good role models.
• Meal and snack times teach sharing and socializing skills.  Small children have small stomachs and get full quickly. They need child-sized servings for meals and snacks that respect local traditions and customs.
• Note that even pre-school children can learn basic kitchen and gardening skills.

Recommended Number of Food Guide Servings per Day

Children

For more information and advice, visit these sites:

• Food and Nutrition - Children (Health Canada)
• Healthy Beginnings for Preschoolers (Childhood Obesity Foundation)