Feeding Your 4-year-old
Four years old! And your child is learning, learning, learning. In order to really learn as much as possible, your child needs to be well fed. Good nutrition really does help your child learn.
What your 4-year-old needs
- A variety of healthy foods.
- Regular meals and snacks.
- Happy and relaxed meal times.
- Healthy food snacks.
- Play and exercise daily.
- A feeling of being loved.
- A good example to follow.
Helpful Hints
- Get in the habit of buying fruit instead of junk foods such as chips and candy. Try cutting up fruits for a fruit salad you keep in the refrigerator.
- Clean carrots, celery and other raw vegetables. Keep them in cold water in the refrigerator for a quick snack.
- Cook extra food and freeze the leftovers for another no-hassle meal. Chili, meat sauce, beans and spaghetti all freeze well.
- Freeze juice for your own popsicles.
- Offer water to quench thirst.
- Give hugs and kisses instead of sweets.
- Trust your child’s appetite. Just make sure you are giving the right foods for your child to choose from. And don’t let your child snack right before meals.
- Help your child get in the habit of brushing teeth after meals or at least rinsing with water.
- Most hot dogs and lunchmeats are high in fat. Read labels. Buy brands that are low in fat. Only give these foods about once a week.
- Use leftover chicken and meat for sandwiches. Peanut butter is always a favorite, too.
|
Food |
Daily Servings |
Serving Sizes |
| Bread, Cereal, Rice, and Pasta |
7 |
1/2 Slice or 1/4 Cup |
| Fruit |
3 |
1/4 Cup Cooked; 1/2 Cup Raw |
| Vegetables |
3 |
1/4 Cup Cooked: 1/2 Cup Raw |
| Milk, Yogurt and Cheese |
5 |
1/2 Cup; 3/4 Ounce Cheese |
| Meat, Poultry, Fish, and Dry Beans |
2 |
1 Tablespoon; 1 Egg; 1/2 Cup Cooked Beans and Eggs |
This page last updated on 3/10/08.