Planning should provide foods that

• reflect recommended serving sizes
• represent recommendations from RealFood.gov and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans
• take into consideration the developmental abilities of children (e.g., introducing food according to developmentally appropriate foods, food preparation, choking hazards, baby-led weaning)
• 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
• provide fuel for 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 RealFood.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 do the VDOE’s Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs have in place 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?