Healthy Habits Start at the Table
From the very beginning, healthy habits shape how young children grow, learn and thrive. Eating nutritious meals together does more than fill hungry bellies—it supports your child’s physical health, brain development and emotional well-being. And most importantly, your child learns by watching you.
Family Nutrition Tips and Meal Ideas
Sharing meals is a chance to connect, talk about your day and introduce healthy foods in a fun and low-pressure way. When families eat together, it helps kids develop a positive relationship with food that can last a lifetime.
Try this tips
- Involve your child in meal prep, like washing veggies or stirring ingredients.
- Offer a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables at meals.
- Keep snacks simple and nutritious: fresh fruit, cheese, whole grain crackers.
- Be patient if your child refuses a new food—it can take several tries.
- Let your child listen to their hunger and fullness cues.
Explore these healthy eating resources:
- Healthy Toddler Eating Habits: 9 tips to develop healthy eating
- AZ Health Zone: Recipes and information on food benefit programs
- MyPlate.gov: Printable sheets and resources
Be a Positive Role Model
Your child learns healthy eating habits by watching you. Choosing water, sitting down for meals and trying new foods together shows your child that food is about more than nutrition—it’s about family. Start small, keep going and celebrate the wins along the way.
This page, created in partnership with the Pima County Department of Health, shares simple tips and activities to support families with children birth to age 5.