Xanthi Maragdouaki, an Early Years Nutrition Partnership (EYNP) registered nutrition professional, discusses preparing children for enjoying school meals
A key part of the EYNP approach is to support early years educators to engage parents regarding their children’s nutrition. We often see around this time parents with children who are about to leave the early years and begin school starting to think about school meals or packed lunches. These changes can be a big challenge to established nutritional habits, and parents often turn to their trusted early years providers for some pointers.
If children are getting school meals, then there is the risk that every day they will make the same choice, depending on what the school offers, a choice that parents might not necessarily approve of. It is important to encourage children to make good, nutritious choices. Encourage parents to get hold of the menu if they can and go through it with their child, discussing how each meal offered can benefit them. For example, ‘eating your protein will help you grow and eating your vegetables will make your body stronger’. At the same time, most schools also offer a ‘treat’ day. It is important for children to be part of this, so parents and carers should avoid demonising food.
Alternatively, many parents may be considering packed lunches. The aim of getting five different fruits and vegetables in the lunchbox can be a challenge, but they should try to offer a balanced, nutritious spread of these items across the week and alternate protein sources from day to day. For the main part of the meal, there is no need to overcomplicate. Some pasta with chicken pieces, hummus with vegetables and bread, or sandwiches with different fillings like cooked fish, egg and meat-free options. Chicken nuggets, fish fingers and bean burgers also make an easy option as well as leftovers. If children prefer a warm lunch, these are possible using lunchboxes with an incorporated thermostat. However, overall, the message should be to try to keep lunchboxes simple, varied and colourful.
A positive attitude towards food based on good foundations is a strong predictor of healthy nutrition habits later in life. Most importantly, lunchtime is also a big part of school life, so it’s important for parents and carers not only to focus on what children eat but also on whether it was a fun time and if they had any interesting discussions with their friends. Lunch needs to be nutritious but also enjoyable!
If you would like to discuss any of the issues raisedin this column or any other matter around early years nutrition, please contact Jonathan Lucas at hello@eynpartnership.org to arrange a conversation with one of the EYNP’s registered nutrition professionals. For more information, see www.eynpartnership.org