What kids eat is important to both their physical and mental development. There is a lot that you can do to help your child develop healthy eating habits. Set a good example. Children mimic what their parents do. Eat together, so that they can see you enjoying fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Babies know when they have had enough to eat. Children who continue to listen to their bodies are more likely to have healthy eating habits. Teach them to take small amounts at first, and more if they are still hungry. Don’t make them eat the whole plate. They should stop eating when they are full, not when the plate is clean.

The amount of food each child needs is different depending on their age and physical activity. It is important, however, that all kids eat a variety of food from the five food groups. Here are some examples of what kid size portions of the different food groups might look like.