Eat Well Be Active - Healthy Kids for LifeLet's do this together
Research clearly shows that children form lifelong behaviours and attitudes during their early years, including habits that support healthy and active lifestyles.
"Supporting children to make healthy lifestyle choices is a big responsibility, so it's important to work together," says Pine Rivers Shire Council Children's Services Team Leader, Lynne Kafoa.
"With so many families being supported in their nurturing role by carers, it is important for parents and carers to give children consistent messages, both at home and while in care."
A partnership between parents and child care professionals is vital for creating trust and a shared understanding of the needs of each child and family. Through good communication and support, families and carers can establish positive attitudes towards food and physical activity in young children that last a lifetime.
What can parents and child care professionals do?
As a parent, the most important thing you can do for your children is be a good role model. Your lifestyle will influence the choices your children make as they grow up, so establish good habits as soon as possible.
- Be active as a family by walking, riding bikes, swimming together and playing active games.
- Plan holidays with plenty of opportunities for physical activity.
- Keep offering healthy food choices.
- Provide positive encouragement for your children — tell them that they are doing well!
- Focus on the fun aspects of exercise. Don’t emphasis competitive activities such as racing and team-based sports.
- Enlist your child care professional in supporting you in your role.
As a child care professional, it is important to work with parents to develop consistent messages about health and physical activity at home and in care. Be respectful of parents' beliefs and attitudes and ask them about cultural requirements at mealtimes.
- Be a good role model to parents and children.
- Keep up-to-date on appropriate healthy meals, snacks, drinks and physical activities for young children.
- Be aware of child development milestones so your expectations of children are appropriate.
- Invite parents to help develop activities to do with health, physical activity and nutrition.
- Familiarise yourself with your local area and establish a list of services that can support parents when they seek help and advice.
Further information
- Name:
- Child Care Information Service
- Telephone:
- 1800 637 711 (toll-free within Australia)†
- Website:
- www.communities.qld.gov.au
†Calls from mobile phones are charged at applicable rates.
Last updated: 20 June 2008.