Sweet Healthy Alabama
October 2017
Eat Better, Eat Together Month
The USDA partnered with Washington State University to start Eat Better, Eat Together Month! When families sit down and eat a meal together, the family is more likely to make better choices. This means more nutritious meals as well as a greater variety of foods. In addition, when families eat together it has been reported that there is an increase in communication skills. This from families bonding around families meals.
Set the table for the family ...Set roots for a lifetime
Cooking Together
Children get excited about eating when they help prepare the food. Involve your child in planning and preparing some meals and snacks for the family. It's fun for everyone!
- Introduce children to a variety of healthy foods
- Helps children learn and practice new kitchen skills with adult direction
When your child helps in the kitchen, remember cleanliness and safety. Wash hands with soap and warm, running water before and after handing food or utensils. Review safety rules.
A Task for Every Age
Use the information to the right to select tasks that will help your child be successful.
*With adult supervision
Talking Together
- Provides a chance to share cultural and family traditions
- Helps children learn how to take turns talking and listening
- Gives children practice sharing their thoughts and feelings so they are more comfortable expression themselves outside the home
- Keep conversations pleasant. Try using the ideas on the right for successful family meals table talk: