What we feed our children affects their health, their quality of interactions with peers and a lifelong connection of healthy food with a happy lifestyle. Shaping the development of a child’s wellbeing starts with the food that fuels their mind, powers their adventure-seeking adrenaline and supports their growth. The importance of emphasizing early nutrition is vital for developing a positive body image. 

EATING IS AN EMOTIONALLY CONNECTIVE PROCESS

According to the University of Pennsylvania, the properly balanced diet preschoolers receive “can positively affect a child’s social behaviour and development.” The study finds that nutrient-dense foods enhance a child’s cognitive performance, encouraging positive social behaviour. When children eat well, they have better interactions throughout the day. Simon Reitmeier researched food socialization in early childhood, discovering that healthy actions during mealtime “imprints” themselves on toddlers. Conducting a study of ‘why we like food,’ Reimeier found that external role models, such as child care staff, play an essential role for children to internalize the positivity of the social setting with healthy habits and happy interactions

NUTRIENT-RICH FOOD PROVIDES YOUR CHILD WITH THE ENERGY THEIR CHILDHOOD REQUIRES

By highlighting meals of fresh fruits and vegetables, good fats and protein, your child uses their food to build their muscles, fill their bellies and energize their minds. Junk food is packed with empty calories that lead to a lack of energy and focus, unsustainable for children’s playground adventures. Although fast food and ready-to-eat meals are easy for working parents, they are not easy on a child’s developing body. Focus your child’s meals with healthy food and reward your child with a treat on the side – combining energy with deliciousness. Little Angels Airdrie daycare provides nutritional food made on premises for peace of mind while you work. 

CONSISTENT, NUTRITIOUS MEALS BOOST SELF-ESTEEM

A child’s self-esteem is fuelled by the good vibes nutritional food provides. Scientists at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden studied 7,675 2-9 year olds and discovered that “better self-esteem and fewer emotional and peer problems” existed in children who ate healthier. Finding relationships between a balanced, healthy diet and a child’s confidence, it was concluded that “increased diet quality was associated with improved mental health during a 3-year follow up.” When developed at an early age, self-esteem strengthens when preschoolers and toddlers are proud of what they eat. 

SHARED MEALS WITH PEERS CONTRIBUTE TO CULTURAL APPRECIATION 

Food is a large aspect of our cultural expression. Serving food on the premises of our NW Calgary child care allows children to develop an appreciation for nutritional food as well as the packed cuisines of their peers. Enhancing equal respect and appreciation for all cultures, child care staff encourage open discussions that share the diversity of our world through food. Children fall in love with food experiences, new and old, to forge bonds in preschool as they become global citizens.

Offering nutritional food made on premises contributes to our Airdrie child care’s holistic approach to acquaint children with the confidence and positive associations empowered by healthy food. Good food creates happy moods as young children interact better with peers, are motivated to problem solve and feel powerful in their bodies’ capability to achieve whatever they dream. Nutritional meal plans are prioritized at our Airdrie daycare. Book a tour of our facility and come see our meal prep space yourself!