The Importance of Healthy Eating
Healthy eating is an important part of a child’s growth, development, and wellbeing. It is essential that, as carers, we strive to nurture positive relationships with food and mealtimes. For children and young people in care, mealtimes provide opportunities to develop routines, build relationships, and create a sense of belonging and security.
Making Mealtimes Positive
For certain children and young people, food and mealtimes may be connected to negative experiences. Foster carers can help by creating an environment where children feel comfortable and calm.
If appropriate, it may be beneficial to involve the young people in your care in choosing and preparing meals. Simple activities such as meal planning, shopping, and prepping, can help to develop independence, life skills, and confidence.
It is important to avoid using food as reward or punishment, and instead, encourage children to listen to their body rather than feeling pressured to eat.
Healthy Growth and Development
Carers should provide children with a balanced diet to support their growth, brain development, and energy levels. Keeping the cupboards and fridge stocked with a variety of fresh fruit, vegetables, carbohydrates, protein, dairy or suitable alternatives can ensure children receive the nutrients they need to thrive.
Not every meal has to be perfect, but children should be encouraged to develop sustainable healthy habits and learn that food is something to enjoy as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Culture and Identity
Foster carers should take the time to understand and celebrate each child’s cultural heritage, and food can be a wonderful way to do this. Preparing and enjoying traditional or culturally significant meals together can create opportunities to learn, share experiences, and celebrate a child’s background.
Food can be an important part of a child’s identity and connection to their family and culture. Sharing these meals together will demonstrate that their heritage and identity are valued, respected, and celebrated.
Each Child Is Different
Children may have individual allergies, dietary requirements, medical needs, or sensory sensitivities. Some children can have relationships with food that require particular understanding and professional support.
Seek advice from relevant professionals if necessary and always follow the child’s care and health plans. It is essential to work collaboratively with the child, their social worker, and health professionals to make sure nutritional needs are supported.
Eating healthily is about more than what is on the plate: regular meals, being active, drinking plenty of water, and maintaining positive relationships with food will provide children and young people with necessary life skills to carry into adulthood.
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