What are some of the challenges of encouraging nutritious food choices for school-aged children? ...

School-aged children begin to be influenced by peers, in addition to their parents. Most children want to feel as if they belong, and if the popular children are eating chips and drinking regular soft drinks, it may be hard for a child to eat a healthy sandwich and drink milk. One strategy that parents might consider is to introduce their kids to "cool" role models, such as star athletes who follow nutritious diets. Emphasize that in order to perform at elite levels, athletes must pay close attention to their nutrition. Another strategy is to continue to involve children in food choices for the family and in meal preparation. Finally, parents should continue to act as good role models and to give consistent messages about eating and physical activity.