This does not mean that all snacks should be low in calories. Growing, active children can use snacks to give them the calories they require. A child may not be able to consume enough calories at a meal to satisfy his or her needs until the next meal. Therefore, to reach a balance, a snack should be enjoyable and provide more than just calories. Children do model themselves after their parents.
Parents can create a situation which increases the likelihood of developing good snacking habits.
If the kitchen has a variety of appropriate foods which can be obtained quickly, such as prewashed and precut vegetables and fruits, juices, whole grain breads and cereals, the child will become accustomed to having those foods for snacks. Parents can also encourage friends, relatives, child care providers, and people in schools, places of worship, and recreation groups to provide snacks which are consistent with good nutrition and good dental health. All these actions increase the likelihood that your child will be eating snacks which help to satisfy his or her nutrient needs. Some of the better snack choices, like fresh fruits and vegetables, can also be the least expensive to buy. However, preparation time may be longer, and acceptability by children may be lower.