Providers should do the following during mealtimes with toddlers EXCEPTserve new food separately from familiar foods.cut food into small pieces (about 1/2 an inch).have toddlers sit securely in highchairs or booster seats.help children learn self-help skills.

How can providers make mealtimes with toddlers more successful?Involve children in simple food preparationDiscuss what it is that makes certain foods healthyEnsure children are safely sitting up in highchairsAvoid hard foods such as seeds, nuts, popcorn and hard candyEncourage children to use signs for “more” and “all done”Give children choices of different foods and ask for input when designing menusModel the social nature of eating by sitting around the table, taking turns and sharingBreak the food down into small, bite-sized pieces

Providers should do the following during mealtimes with infants who were already introduced to solid foods by the families EXCEPTbreak food down into small pieces.offer soft foods that are easy to swallow.limit the variety of healthy snacks and food textures.offer new foods several times.

Providers should do the following during mealtimes with school-agers EXCEPTuse snack times to discuss what it is that makes certain foods healthy.ensure they finish all their food.have a snack ready as soon as they get to the program.provide plenty of water and low-sugar drinks.

When introducing new foods to infants who have been introduced to solid foods, providers shouldclearly explain why the foods are good for them.serve new foods separately from familiar foods.accept that children may reject a new food the first couple of times before accepting it.offer a reward for trying out new foods.

Which of the following is a recommended strategy for honoring children's mealtime preferences? Question 4 options: a) Allow children to eat at the "grown-up" table using china and silverware. b) Cook food until very hot to keep a child from eating too quickly. c) Try a series of gourmet foods with fancy names to build the child's cultural awareness. d) Offer vegetables that are raw or undercooked and served separate from other foods. e) Serve varied, spicy flavors to entice a child's taste buds.