March is National Nutrition Month! Good nutrition during the first years of your child’s life is vital for healthy growth and development. Starting good nutrition habits early can help children develop a healthy relationship with food and eating… but what do you do if every mealtime results in a power struggle? If you find yourself serving macaroni and cheese every night because your child refuses vegetables, I have been there too. Research shows that most children eventually outgrow their picky-eating phase, but what to do in the meantime? These simple tips that can help keep mealtimes fun and healthy! Before Mealtimes Let your child help make the meals! Give them simple jobs, like tearing lettuce for a salad, mixing in a bowl, or having them help set the table. Kids are more likely to eat food that they help prepare. Take your child grocery shopping with you, and let them pick out some new fruits, vegetables, or other healthy options they would like to try. Offer choices - instead of asking “Do you want carrots?” try “Would you like broccoli or carrots?” Giving your child a choice will help give them a sense of control. During Mealtimes If your child dislikes vegetables such as broccoli or cauliflower, try serving it in different forms, such as mixing it in with one of their favorite dishes, or serving it with a fun dip on the side. Research tells us kids may need to try a new food five to ten times before they start eating more of it, so keep offering! Be a role model. Children tend to follow the family example, so try to pile up your own plate with lots of colorful veggies and fruits. Though it may be tempting, try to avoid bribing your child with sweet treats to get them to clean their plates. This is not always the best way to develop healthy habits in the long run. Just continue offering healthy choices, encourage them to try new foods, and keep the mood at mealtime positive. After Mealtimes Remain upbeat even after mealtime is over - praise your child’s efforts! For example, even if they didn’t finish their plate, you can say, “I love that you tried a new food today!” Respect their appetite, and remember that some days children will eat more (especially during a growth spurt), and some days they will eat less. Be mindful of their hunger cues while continuing to offer healthy foods. Try to keep healthy snacks available around the house for your child to munch on between mealtimes, such as hummus, yogurt, or any healthy dip with vegetables or fruits. If you are concerned about your child’s eating habits, talk to your pediatrician. They can help make sure that your child is getting all the necessary nutrients to grow and develop. Remember, picky eating is a normal developmental stage for toddlers, and will not last forever. Do your best to patiently work with your child on continuing to try healthy foods, and this will help put them on the path toward lifelong healthy eating. For more nutrition resources, visit https://www.elcpalmbeach.org/family-resources .

As parents and caregivers, we all want the best for our little ones, and that includes ensuring they stay on track with their developmental milestones. One of the most important things you can do to support your child’s developmental growth is to ensure they receive regular developmental check-ins. Developmental check-ins are simple, low-stress observations that help show how your child is growing and learning, and goes over skills such as communication, motor skills, social and emotional development, and cognitive skills. These check-ins are designed to identify areas where your child might need extra support and are a great tool to make sure your child thrives in both school and in life! Why Are Developmental Check-Ins Important and How Do I Get One? A child’s brain develops quickly during the first five years of life, and developmental check-ins can help ensure that concerns are addressed as early as possible. Early intervention can make a world of difference and supports are available at no cost. For children who need a little extra support with learning, speech, behavioral skills or social skills, early information from a check-in can help set them up for success with resources, specialists, and programs that meet their individual needs. To receive a developmental check-in for your child, talk to your pediatrician or local child care program. Many early learning programs offer routine check-ins and can connect you with resources. What Happens During a Developmental Check-In? A developmental check-in is quick and stress-free, usually taking about fifteen minutes. These can be done at your pediatrician’s office or early childhood program. You may fill out an Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) about your child’s skills, behavior, and interactions. A doctor, nurse, or early childhood specialist may also play with your child, ask them to do simple tasks, or follow simple instructions like stacking blocks or pointing to pictures. Some key areas of development that will be looked at during a check-in are motor skills, communication, problem-solving, and social and emotional skills. What Are the Next Steps? If everything appears to be on track, you can continue to monitor your child’s development. If a developmental check-in suggests that your child could benefit from extra support, the first thing to do is to take a deep breath; we are here to support your family and the earlier you start, the better! Next steps could be further evaluation, supports and resources. Families can call the Coalition’s Warm Line at 888-620-9190 and speak directly to the Early Intervention Manager about their child’s needs. The Coalition is here to help families with resources and connections to specialists, ensuring every child receives the help that is the right fit! Checking in on your child ‘s development help you learn more about your young child’s growth. Check-ins also ensure your child has everything they need to thrive and they get the support they need at an early age. The Coalition is here to help cheer you on every step of the way. For more information, visit https://www.elcpalmbeach.org/child-development .