Proper Nutrition for Children

How can you help young children meet their Pyramid guidelines? Follow these simple tips:

1. Trust your child's appetite -- Forcing a child to clean a plate can lead to less healthful eating over time.

2. Offer two or three choices -- Choice helps children develop independence.

3. Plan for snacks -- Young children need healthy snacks to get enough nutrients and energy for growth.

4. Think about timing -- Offer snacks at least two hours before mealtime. Stick to a schedule.

5. Relax -- If your child doesn't eat the whole meal. The average of what kids eat over several days is what counts.

6. Offer one new food at a time -- Kids may need to try a food 5-10 times before learning to like it.

7. Be a good role model.

Each year, Medical College of Wisconsin physicians care for more than 180,000 patients, representing nearly 500,000 patient visits. Medical College physicians practice at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, and many other hospitals and clinics in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin.