You're the gatekeeper who decides what foods come into your kitchen. Give kids a healthful variety of foods. Then, allow them to choose what to eat and how much from what you offer. Don't wait until your baby is a toddler. Start right away—that way you won't have mistakes to correct later.

Eat meals with your kids as often as you can so they see you enjoying foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat milk. Cancel your family membership in the clean plate club. Eat until you're satisfied, not overly full. Teach your kids to do the same instead of encouraging them to finish everything on their plates.

Keep snacks such as cut up veggies, fruit and whole-wheat crackers upfront in the fridge or cabinet so they're easy for kids to see and grab.

Make sure everyone eats breakfast (including you). Offer quick options such as wholegrain cereal, yogurt, pieces of fruit, low-fat milk and 100% fruit juice.

When it comes to snacks, don't deny kids their favorite treats, but also work together to create a list of "smart snacks" to stock up on. Post the list on the fridge or kitchen bulletin board and let kids pick from the list at snack time.

Published 01/02/09