Skip to main content
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  • Visit
    • Visit the University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  • Apply
    • Apply to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  • Give
    • Give to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Log In
Search

Search Form

Nebraska Extension
UNL Food
Search
Log In
  • About
    • Terms of Use
  • Eat Healthy
    • Recipes
    • Budget Friendly
    • Cooking Tips
    • Seasonal Produce
    • Meal Prep
    • Cooking with Kids
  • Move More
    • Adults
    • Kids and Teens
    • Older Adults
    • Pregnant and Postpartum Women
    • Preschool-Aged Children
    • Workouts
  • Keep Food Safe
    • Food Preservation
    • Foodborne Illness
    • Handwashing
    • Home Food Storage Chart
    • Power Outage
    • Safe Cooking Temperatures
  • Free Resources
    • Activities
    • Articles
    • Food Calendar
    • Newsletters
    • Posters
    • Presentations
    • Videos
  • Programs
    • Exploring the Science of Food
    • Food in the Field
    • Go NAPSACC
    • Growing Together Nebraska
    • Husker Performance
    • Marathon Kids
    • Nebraska Extension ServSafe® Training
    • Nutrition Education Program
    • Nutrition School Enrichment Kits
    • Sleepless in Nebraska
    • Smart Health: Tools for Managing Hypertension
  1. Nebraska
  2. IANR
  3. Nebraska Extension
  4. UNL Food
  5. Free Resources
  6. Newsletters
  7. Food Fun for Young Children
  8. Be a Healthy Role Model

Be a Healthy Role Model

Be a Healthy Role Model
Share
Share
Tweet
Email
Provide Feedback Download Handout Spanish Handout
fruits-and-vegetables

Young children love to follow what their parents and caregivers do. They are likely to copy your table manners, your likes and dislikes and your willingness to try new foods. Here are a few tips on how to be a healthy role model:

  1. Go shopping together. Grocery shopping is a perfect time to teach your child about food and nutrition. Discuss where vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy, and protein foods come from. Encourage your children to help select healthy foods from the store.
  2. Cook together. Provide opportunities for young children to help prepare meals and snacks. Not only is cooking a great way to spend time together but a wonderful time for teaching valuable skills in the kitchen.
  3. Keep things positive. Let your child see you enjoying new and healthy foods. Discourage your family members from making faces or negative comments about unfamiliar foods.
  4. Offer the same foods for everyone. Avoid being a “short-order cook” by making different dishes to please children. Short-order cooking teaches children they don’t have to be willing to try unfamiliar foods. It’s easier and less stressful to plan family meals when everyone eats the same thing.
  5. Set a good example for physical activity. Let them see you be active. Make play time, family time. Walk, run, and play with your child rather than sitting on the sidelines.
Roasted broccoli with red peppers
Photo by Marusa Jonas

Roasted Broccoli and Red Peppers

Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients:
  • 5 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large bunch), gently rubbed under cold running water
  • 1 red bell pepper, gently rubbed under cold running water and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 teaspoons olive or vegetable oil
  • ½ teaspoon lemon pepper
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Directions:

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Preheat the oven to 400 °F.
  3. Add broccoli, pepper, oil, lemon pepper and garlic to a self-sealing plastic bag; shake until ingredients are combined (or mix together in a bowl).
  4. Spread the mixture out in an even layer on a baking sheet.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven until vegetables are tender enough to pierce with a fork, 15 to 20 minutes.
  6. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Nutrition Information:

  • Calories: 40
  • Total Fat: 2g
  • Sodium: 45mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Calcium: 2%
  • Potassium: 6%
Nutrition Software Used: ESHA Food Processor

Healthy Eating for Preschoolers, United States Department of Agriculture

This newsletter was written by Cami Wells and has been peer-reviewed. It was reviewed and updated in 2025.

Tags:

any season children feeding children nutrition Spanish

Feedback Form

Was this article helpful to you?
How will you share the article?

Related Articles

A spread of a variety of dairy products including milk, yogurt, cheese, and more. Getting your Daily Dairy
three bowls of rice Rice to Know Information and Tips
women in water aerobics Fitness Indulgence
mom and child cooking Simple Ways to Boost Your Child’s Health

Related Recipes

berries-and-bunnies Berries and Bunnies
Bunny face shaped with fruit Bunny Face
cranberry-cut-outs Cranberry Juice Gelatin Cutouts
Cherry Nut Apple Slices Cherry Nut Apple Slices

Contact us

https:// www.unl.edu
https:// www.unl.edu
https:// www.unl.edu
https:// www.unl.edu
Email
food@unl.edu
https:// www.unl.edu
https:// www.unl.edu

Related links

  • Food Science and Technology Department
  • Nutrition and Health Sciences Department
  • Animal Science Department
  • United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
  • National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)
  • MyPlate

Campus Links

  • Directory
  • Employment
  • Events
  • Libraries
  • Maps
  • News
  • Office of the Chancellor
  • Report an Incident

Policies & Reports

  • Accessibility Statement
  • Institutional Equity and Compliance
  • Notice of Nondiscrimination
  • Privacy Policy
  • Safety at Nebraska
  • Student Information Disclosures
UNL web framework and quality assurance provided by the Web Developer Network · QA Test
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Established 1869 · Copyright 2025