Don’t be rude to food!Fussy eating is normal, in fact well over half of toddlers and preschool age children will display fussy eating behaviors’ before they reach school. It’s part of a child’s development – a way of exploring their environment, the food you provide and of course a way to assert their independence.Remember that you are the parent – and a parent’s job is to provide foods that a child likes, and is learning to like (new foods), and it’s the child’s job to decide what they will eat each meal. Keep your expectations realistic, start with small steps such as a child touching or licking a food, and keep meal times stress free and positive. Praise the progress, and ignore the fuss a child may display.And when in doubt remind your children “Don’t be rude to food”. Create a positive vibe around the table by questioning children about the colour of food; or whether a food is crunchy or soft; or sweet, sour or salty, rather than letting them complain that they don’t like it.For more information go to https://www.picnicproject.com.au/category/24-36-months/

What is my pee telling me?With hot weather set to continue across the first part of this year, it is important to make sure children are drinking plenty of water to stop dehydration. Two thirds of the human body is made up of water so we all need to drink enough water to function properly. By the time a child feels thirsty, they are probably dehydrated, and this can have a big impact on their attention, concentration alertness and mood.A great way for children to check if they are drinking enough water is to encourage them to check the colour or their pee – if it’s clear they are drinking enough water, but if it’s dark yellow or brown they need to drink more often.Some tips to avoid dehydration:

make preschool a water only place: always include a water bottle in your child’s bag (chilled and insulated or frozen overnight is great!)

encourage children to have a big drink of water before preschool and when they come home

educators can make sure children drink water before, during and after playing games

practice using bubblers so your children are comfortable using them if needed. Also practice opening and filling water bottles with them so they can top their water bottle up

be a role model for your family – let your children see you enjoying water throughout the day as well

Munch and Move Graphic Snippets

Did you know that 1 bottle of soft drink can hide 16 teaspoons of sugar! Rethink sugary drinks and choose water for your family.

Bread Roll SushiIngredients: vegetable sticks, chicken / flaked tuna, bread rollsMethod: Hollow out bread rolls from one side to the other using the end of a fork or spoon. Place vegetable sticks in the tunnel you have formed through the bread roll. Stuffed the remaining hollowed out space with chicken / tuna. Cut in to 2-3 pieces.

What memories are your family making this weekend?Try something new like:

- Chasing your shadows- Catch some bugs then release them- Handball competitions- Take a family walk somewhere new

The recommendations are that you should spend no more than 2 hours per day watching screens (no time spent on screens at all for children under 2).Nature Play has some great bucket list ideas you can do as a family before your child turns 1, 2 or 5.https://www.natureplayqld.org.au/nature-playlists