During the first few years of life, its vital to meet a child’s nutritional needs in order to ensure proper growth and also to establish a lifelong habit of healthy eating. Eating a meal should be both healthy and an enjoyable occasion – a fact that many parents may overlook when planning a meal for their growing children. Instead of a fast meal that family members eat at different hours, mealtimes should promote family togetherness whenever possible.
Relaxed dining experiences with good food and conversation helps to foster family relationships, as well as good digestion. You can also involve children in family meals by having them help out with simple mealtime tasks, such as peeling potatoes, preparing salad or setting the table. If mealtime is a pleasant event every children may practise healthful eating habits later on in life.