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How To Deal With Picky Eaters When They Won’t Eat

Dealing with picky eaters is one of the most common struggles parents and teachers at your childcare center have. Does this sound familiar to you? Here are a few tips on how to deal with picky eaters.

Is your child a picky eater?

  • Your toddler takes a few bites of food and says she’s “done”
  • You can stock your fridge and shelves full but your little one will only eat the same 5 things over and over.
  • Your toddler asks for one thing, you make it, then he asks for something else then decides he wants something completely different altogether.
  • Coaxing your children to just take “one more bite” is a constant battle in your home.

Why Won’t They Eat?

First of all – meal times are supposed to be relaxing and enjoyable. You want to avoid these battles every time you sit down at the table. Toddlers ages 1-3 typically have smaller appetites, so if they only eat a little at a time, that’s ok. Their appetites can change on a daily basis and even meal to meal.

If they like carrots, don’t be afraid to throw some in at breakfast. Do they prefer eggs? Who says you can’t have eggs for dinner? At Premier Academy it is our goal to provide quality childcare and lots of healthy and delicious food options.

Dinner time is typically going to be the meal that your toddler feels like eating the least. It’s the end of the day and they are tired. Unless they have been doing physical activity like swimming or playing outside, chances are they aren’t going to be as hungry as they are at other times of the day.

How Do I Get My Picky Kid To Eat?

If you are dealing with preschool or school age children who are picky eaters, you may be able to reason with them and enforce the “one bite rule” Ask them to take at least one bite of every food on their plate. If they don’t like it, they don’t have to eat it again. The best childcare for your kiddo is one that provides a variety of healthy food options.

Here are a few more ideas for dealing with picky eaters:

  • Don’t nag or coax your toddler. Choose your battles. Plain and simply, your child WILL eat when they are hungry.
  • Have realistic portions: Many parents set unrealistic goals for their children when it comes to mealtime. A good rule of thumb to follow: If your child is under the age of 5-6, use a tablespoon per year of age. If they ask for more when they’ve finished, you can always give more.
  • Try to introduce new foods – Even if they disliked a food before, tastes change and you never know when you find something new they like.
  • Avoid too much milk, juice and soda in place of food. Many kids will fill up on sugary drinks and have no room for food.

Mealtime doesn’t have to be miserable any longer! Choose your battles. Don’t get upset with them when they doesn’t like a food. Try to help your child find healthy foods they enjoy.

At Premier Academy, the safety of your children comes first. We offer affordable childcare in the Omaha & Elkhorn area, visit us at premieracademyinc.com. 

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Tips On Preparing Your Home For A New Baby From Premier Academy

Bringing home a new baby is an exciting event for any family. Preparing your home for a new baby is the first step in creating a safe environment for them to grow and learn.

happy baby

There are a range of safety products on the market that can make parent’s life easier. However, there are also some simple and traditional safety practices that will keep your infant out of harm’s way.

Here are some tips for preparing your home for a new baby:

  • Add safety latches on all drawers and cabinets in kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and storage areas.
  • Check all electrical cords and remove any that dangle or hang down.
  • Cover all electrical outlets with spring loaded covers that automatically close when the cord is removed.
  • Roll all cords for blinds or drapes above the height that a crawling baby, toddler or infant can reach.
  • Have a new crib and mattress for the baby that is designed to prevent the baby from getting hands or limbs lodged between the posts. The mattress should fit correctly and extend to the frame on all sides.
  • Limit items in and around the crib and ensure any mobiles or hanging items on the crib are safe and secure and approved for use for a baby.
  • Always have the correctly sized, approved car safety seat for your baby and do not travel with the baby in a vehicle when the child is not secured in the baby car seat.
  • Avoid using air fresheners or air treatment products as an infant may be extremely sensitive to these products.

Most importantly, never leave your baby unattended unless they are in a secure location such as their crib. This will ensure that they can’t get into anything dangerous if you step away for a minute.

At Premier Academy, the safety of your children comes first. We offer affordable childcare in the Omaha & Elkhorn area, visit us at premieracademyinc.com. 

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What to Look For in a Daycare Provider When You Visit

It is difficult to know what to look for in a daycare provider, when it comes to your children. As a parent, you want to give your child the best start in life.  Carefully choosing a high quality child care center is the first step.

Why Early Learning is Important

Kids need to socialize with other children from a very young age. It allows them to become familiar to social interaction, sharing and good manners. Not only will they learn how to act and behave around others, they will learn valuable reading and writing skills.

Statistics show that kids who don’t attend preschools and head straight into schools have a much harder time learning than the children who did attend preschools.

How Teachers Interact With Children

When choosing a preschool for your child, you need to note everything you see when you are taken around the preschools:

  • How the teachers and teachers look after children
  • How do they react to children
  • How do they treat children

Another important thing to watch out for is the way teachers greet children. Do the teachers come down to kids’ eye levels to address them and talk with them? You can usually tell if a teacher has a genuine love and passion for young toddlers when you first meet them.

You want to find a preschool that shows a love for kids and their development. Teachers should address kids in a grown up manner, but take time to acknowledge each child

Observe Your Surroundings

The most important job of a daycare center is to make sure your child is safe. Be sure to confirm that they are a licensed daycare before any consideration. When you visit the facility it should be clean and free of any safety hazards to your young child.

Note how you feel when you visit. Is it bright and pleasant or depressing and dull? Does it make you happy, do you hear sounds of laughter and fun, or silence? How you feel is important when determining what to look for in a daycare provider.

We invite you to schedule a tour with Premier Academy and see the difference a quality daycare center can make. We offer affordable childcare in the Omaha & Elkhorn area, visit us at premieracademyinc.com. 

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