Eat Smart like a Tiger | MU Extension

Healthy eating is essential at every age. Use the information and resources below to help you and your family live a healthy, active lifestyle.

Collage of parents and children preparing and eating healthy snacks and meals

Parents help their children develop good eating habits when they:

Regularly provide family meals and snacks.
Do not pressure kids to eat foods they do not like.
Encourage children to stop eating when full.
Offer meals and snacks that are nutritious and good tasting.
Keep mealtimes pleasant.
Teach children how to deal with uncomfortable feelings without eating (without using food for comfort or reward).
Allow children to decide whether or not to eat and how much to eat.
Keep the TV turned off during meals.

Dad and children playing soccer

Here are some ways parents can get their children moving:

Be physically active role models.
Encourage children to be moderately active at least 60 minutes on most days.
Move the TV out of bedrooms.
Set limits on the amount of time the family watches TV, works on the computer and plays video games.
Teach children games that you liked as a child.
Make opportunities for active family recreation like playing ball, hiking or camping.
Volunteer to help with your child’s after-school activities or sports.