By Patti Rigby, Carbon School District Nutritional Director
No matter how much kids have in common, when it comes to food preferences they make very different choices. There are several reasons why giving children choices throughout the day is beneficial, even vital, to their development. Providing choices gives kids a sense of control. When we offer choices, we are allowing them to practice the skills of independence and responsibility while we guard their health and safety by limiting and monitoring the options.
It helps build self esteem when they successfully decide things for themselves. Children can handle mistakes better when they feel good about themselves. Moral development is another benefit in that if they have opportunities to make their own choices and feel empowered in their everyday lives, they will have no need to exert power over others. When given choices, children stretch their minds and create new and unique combinations assisting in their cognitive development.
By offering three different entree selections each day at summer lunch, our goal is to make sure that there is something to please everyone. Each meal fills the component requirements for grains, proteins, fruits and vegetables. Children feel more committed to an activity they have chosen themselves. They will happily eat more of a delicious and healthy summer lunch meal because they get to have a say!