![](media/image1.png){width="1.4in"
height="0.9291666666666667in"}**Mealtime**

Group Education Lesson Plan

March 2001-April 2001

**[[Objectives:]{.underline}]{.smallcaps}**

1.  Participants will understand the importance of eating together and
    talking with their child during meals.

2.  Participants will gain knowledge about what children can do at
    mealtimes at different ages.

3.  Participants will increase the number of meals eaten together per
    week.

**[[Materials:]{.underline}]{.smallcaps}**

-   Participant\'s chart

-   Fit WIC Tracking Sheet

-   Mealtime Overhead Transparencies

-   Happy Meals at Home Parent Newsletters (English and Spanish)

-   Mealtime Goal Sheets (English and Spanish)

-   Fit WIC Calendars

-   Mealtime Place Mat

**[[Discussion:]{.underline}]{.smallcaps}**

*15 minutes*

**Transparency 1 & 2:**

*Some of our most memorable moments with our families take place at
mealtimes. Looking at these pictures, which best shows how your child
eats his/her meals?*

Listen to responses of group participants.

**Transparency 3:**

*Mealtimes are very important for families. It\'s more than just a time
for eating.*

-   *It's a time for children to learn about family and build
    relationships. It\'s a chance to talk about good things that
    happened during the day.*

-   *Children that eat together with their families are also more likely
    to eat healthier foods.*

-   *It can also help your child learn about table manners.*

-   *It helps children learn how to share, talk with others, and develop
    other social skills.*

*Today we are going to talk about how to Make Meals Memorable. As we
just discussed, it is very important to take time to eat together and
talk with your family.*

**Transparency 4:**

*The television can steal your child\'s attention during mealtime. This
keeps your child from paying attention to the rest of the family and
his/her food. Turning off the TV during mealtimes can help [Make Meals
Memorable]{.underline} in your home!*

**Transparency 5:**

*Who has a child that is 2 years old?*

-   *At 2 years of age, children can use a cup for liquids but tend to
    spill things often. This is normal, your child is still learning to
    use his/her muscles.*

-   *2 year olds also like to eat with their fingers. The want to feed
    themselves. They will learn the skills of using a spoon and fork by
    trying [again and again]{.underline}.*

**Transparency 6:**

*More about 2 year olds...*

*Kids like routine. Having meals at regular times and in a certain place
helps them know what to expect. For instance, when dinner is served
every night at 6:00 p.m. at the table.*

*Kids are often hesitant to try new foods. They may need to touch,
taste, and smell a new food 7-10 times before they accept it. So
continue to offer a food even if your child appears to not like it at
first. Never force your child to eat a certain food. This will only make
him/her dislike the food more!*

**Transparency 7:**

*Who has a child that is 3-4 years old?*

*By the time children are 3-4 years of age, they can serve themselves
and pass foods to others.*

*Preschoolers can also use a fork. Child-size thick handled forks and
spoons are often easier for kids to handle. Plates with raised sides
help them get the food on their fork or spoon.*

**Transparency 8:**

*More about 3-4 year olds...*

*Does anyone\'s child like to help you prepare meals? What do they like
to do? Food preparation can be a wonderful way to help kids learn about
new foods. Children are more likely to try foods that they help prepare.
Make sure these activities are appropriate to your child\'s age. Things
like washing fruits and vegetables, measuring, mixing and spreading are
often good activities.*

**Transparency 9:**

*More about 3-4 year olds...*

*At this age, your child likes to imitate others and will watch to see
what you are eating. Set a good example by eating healthy foods like
fruits, vegetables, grains, low-fat dairy products and lean meats.*

**Transparency 10:**

*At this age, your child is going through some changes. Your toddler or
preschooler may want to eat the same food three days in a row and the
next day refuse to eat it at all. He or she may refuse lunch, but is
begging for some potato chips 15 minutes later. What\'s happening here?*

-   *Now that your child is older, he/she is not growing as fast. Your
    child\'s appetite will vary with how active he/she is. This is
    normal.*

-   *As a parent it is your job to provide healthy foods at regular
    times.*

-   *It is your child\'s job to decide [what]{.underline} and [how
    much]{.underline} he or she will eat of the foods you provide.*

-   *Never force, bribe or pressure your child to eat certain foods.*

-   *Stick to your schedule of meals and snacks. Allowing your child to
    nibble all day often means that they will not be hungry at meals.*

-   *Set a good example by eating healthy foods.*

**Transparency 11:**

*Planning meals together with your family helps you [Make Meals
Memorable]{.underline} for your child. Would you be willing to plan
regular mealtimes for you and your child? How often?*

**[[Goal Setting/Monitoring:]{.underline}]{.smallcaps}**

*5 minutes*

-   Help parents set goals for eating together with their child during
    the next two months using Fit WIC Mealtime Goals Sheets.

-   Distribute Fit WIC Calendars and show parents how to record days
    when they eat together with their child.

-   Complete Fit WIC Tracking Form for each participant.

-   Remind parents that they should bring their calendar to their next
    WIC appointment. If they have met their Fit WIC goal, they will get
    a toy for their child.

**Ask if there are any questions. Give each parent a place mat for their
kids to color and use at their place at the table. Once the child has
colored the place mat, clear contact paper may be used to protect their
artwork. Distribute Parent Newsletter.**