Child-Friendly Food Tips For Your Daycare-Bound Child

When you have a child in daycare, you're often responsible for providing snacks and/or meals for the child each day. This can mean getting up a little earlier each morning to put together a lunch kit that will nourish your child until you pick him or her back up. While nutrition is important — as is following any food guidelines set out by the daycare provider — you need to also think about the impact what you pack could have on your child. Here are some suggestions to keep in mind when you pack the lunch kit.

Go Easy With The Sugar

Many children of all ages enjoy sweet snacks, but there is a concern for eating too much sugar beyond dental care and the potential for weight gain. Many children experience adverse behavioral changes upon consuming too much sugar — especially as a result of refined sugars that are prevalent in cookies, cake, and other commercially sold products. A diet that is too high in sugar can make your child act out, which can cause problems for the daycare provider. Additionally, some children who consume too much sugar might initially experience a surge of energy, followed by fatigue that is often accompanied by crankiness. When it comes to including a sweet treat in the lunch kit, opt for fresh fruit.

Don't Pack Too Much To Drink

Some parents make the mistake of sending their child to daycare with too much to drink. This can be a concern because many children enjoy juice, milk, and other beverages — so much so that they might not eat their lunch because they fill up on their drinks. Additionally, children who drink too much could potentially have an accident in their pants, which will cause a hassle for the daycare providers. Pack a minimal amount of things to drink with your child and, if he or she is thirsty, the daycare provider can give some water to your child.

Pack Things That Are Shareable

If your child likes to share, keep this in mind when you pack his or her lunch. Snacks cut into small morsels are better for sharing than larger things. For example, a child with a whole apple won't be able to share it, but if you cut the apple into 10 or 12 pieces, they can be shared with ease. This can save potential conflicts that could arise between your child and other children over the sharing of food.

For more information, contact local professionals like Learning Tree Schools.


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