I even discovered that the centre has a veggie patch and the kids recently grew Broad Beans, picked them, peeled them and then ate them. I even saw pictures of Little Miss 4 getting involved in it all - so proud.
Munch and Move is a program that supports the healthy development of children birth to 5 years by promoting physical activity, healthy eating and reduced screen time. It offers training and resources to educators working in NSW early childhood education and care services. The aims are to assist educators to implement a fun, play-based approach to supporting healthy eating and physical activity habits in young children.
During the information session we focused on the Munch side of the initiative. Tessa, the NSW Health Department representative, took us through some tips to get your child to eat more fruit and veg; including them in different ways (such as raw or cooked), offer a range and trying dried or canned fruit. She also stressed the benefit of getting your kids involved in the preparation and even growing of the fruit and vegetables and eating a wide variety yourself to be a good role model.
We also discussed providing healthier snacks to our kids, including reduced fat yoghurt, hommus on pita bread, corn or rice cakes and sushi. And reducing the number of "treats" your kids have - I have already started priming Little Miss 4 that the treats are going to be cut down.....she just looked at me mischievously.
It was a really informative session and while making me feel guilty about some things (as all Mums do) like too many treats (yep we are guilty), it made me feel good about others; drinking water instead of juice and eating together as a family to promote healthy eating.
If you want more information for your kids daycare or preschool, go to http://www.healthykids.nsw.gov.au/campaigns-programs/about-munch-move.aspx.
Does your daycare or preschool have a veggie patch or Munch and Move initiative?
Image from here.
No comments:
Post a Comment