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FamilyNewsletter
HelpYourChildSnackSmart
Yourchildhasasmallstomach.Soheorsheprobablyeatsless atmealsthanyoudo.
Smartsnackscanhelpyourchildeatanddrinkenoughduringtheday.Infact,most
childrendobestwhentheyeatfourtosixtimesaday.
 Choosefromthefoodgroupsfor
snacks.Thinkofsnacksasmini‐
mealsthathelpprovidenutrients
yourchildneedstogrow,play,and
learn.
 Timesnackscarefully–2to3
hoursbeforemeals.Thatwayyour
childwillbehungryforlunchor
supper.
 Offersnackstosatisfyhunger.
Skiptheurgetoofferasnackto
quiettears,calmyourchild,or
rewardbehavior.Thatcanleadto
overeatinglaterinlife.
 Offerwaterasadrinkwith
snacksorfat‐freeorlow‐fatmilk.
 Snackwiselyyourself! Doyou
snackwhenyoufeelstressedor
bored–orjustwhenyoufeel
hungry?Whatfoodsdoyousnack
on?Remember,yourchildlearns
snackhabitsbywatchingyou.Bea
greatrolemodel!
SnackMix
Yield:4cupsServes:8adults
Ingredients
1cuptoastedoatcereal
1cupwheatsquarecereal
1cupreduced‐fatcheesecrackers
1cupfun‐shapedminipretzels
Steps
1. Pourcereals,crackersandpretzels
intoamediumbowl.
2. Stir.
3. Enjoy!
Note:Youmayputthissnackintosmall
plasticbagstocarrywhentraveling.
Haveyourchildhelpyoudotheboldsteps.
AdaptedfromNibblesforHealth
SnacksforYourChildandYou
Usethelistbelowtocreatetummyfillingsnacksforyourchildandyou.Have
thesefoodsaloneorpairthemup.Remembertokeepsnackssmall.Ifyour
childisstillhungry,heorshecanaskformore.Letyourchilddecidewhatis
enough.
 Raw,cut‐upvegetables
Yourchild’sfavorites:__________________________
 Low‐fatyogurt
Yourchild’sfavorites:__________________________
 Whole‐graincoldcereal
Yourchild’sfavorites:__________________________
 Slicedfruit
Yourchild’sfavorites:__________________________
 Whole‐wheatcrackers
Yourchild’sfavorites:__________________________
 Fat‐freeorlow‐fatmilk
 Fat‐freeorlow‐fatcottagecheese
ParentingTip:
Sometimeskidssaytheyarehungrywhentheyreallywantattention.Takea
littletimewithyourchild—talkordosomethingfun.Yourchildwillletyou
knowifhe orsheisreallyhungry.
In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250‐9410 or call toll free (866) 632‐9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877‐8339; or (800) 845‐6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.