Raising Children Network: the Australian parenting website
  • Suitable for 1-8Years

Eating away from home

By Raising Children Network
 
 
When your child goes to child care, kindergarten and school his taste buds will be exposed to many new foods, which can be a great thing. Sometimes, though, outside influences can undo some of the work you’ve put into encouraging your child to eat healthy food.
Young girl with her lunchbox
 

Party foods such as ice-cream, chocolate, potato chips and fizzy drinks are particularly likely to make an impact. As long as these items remain something for special occasions, there’s no harm in eating them every now and then.

Letting your child have some input into what foods go into the lunch or snack box, and teaching him about new foods, gives him some of the control and independence he probably wants.

Children eat up to a third of their food during the day at child care, kinder or school. Children who eat well during the day find it easier to learn, concentrate and cooperate. If they get their energy from low-nutrient foods like potato chips, lollies and sweet drinks, they will not get all the nutrients they need for healthy development and may find learning difficult.

 
 
 
  • Last reviewed16-05-2006
  • References

    Taylor, J.P., Evers, S., & McKenna, M. (2005). Determinants of healthy eating in children and youth. Canadian Journal of Public Health, 96(3), 20-26.

    Young Media Australia (2005). Keep your children out of the firing line: Television food advertising and childhood obesity/overweight. Retrieved 21 December, 2005 from www.youngmedia.org.au/mediachildren/09_01_thick_thin_fs1.htm