Title: Plan strategies for meeting nutritional needs of children.
Course: Child Development and Parenting (19255-36) > Section: Evaluating Parenting Practices that Maximize Human Growth and Development

Planning should provide foods that

- reflect recommended serving sizes
- represent recommendations from ChooseMyPlate.gov and USDA Dietary Guidelines for Children
- take into consideration the developmental abilities of children
- look appealing to children
- address children's food allergies
- model and provide practice time for appropriate mealtime behaviors
- include self-help and cooperative skill-building and socialization
- establish good eating habits
- encourage physical activity.

Process/Skill Questions

Thinking

- What factors determine the nutritional guidelines for children?
- What is the importance of meeting children's nutritional needs?
- How can the nutritional needs of children whose food preferences are narrow be met?
- What actions can parents and caregivers take to increase opportunities for children to participate in physical activities?

Communication

- What communication strategies can be used to persuade children to try new foods?
- What values do parents exhibit when they insist on certain food choices or eating patterns for their children?

Leadership

- How can nutritional resources such as ChooseMyPlate.gov be used to teach children to make healthy food choices?
- Why are so many young American children overweight and physically unfit?
- What can parents do to instill healthy eating habits in their children?
- What criteria should be used to evaluate children's menus?
- What requirements does the Virginia Department of Social Services have in place for children’s menus and serving sizes?
- What requirements does school nutrition have for children’s menus and serving sizes?

Management

- What resources are available to assist parents who cannot meet their children's nutritional needs?
- How can parents encourage children to make healthy food choices away from home?