Revised
Editor's note
The following abstract describes a publication that is available as a downloadable PDF.
See the companion publication N1035, Healthy Celebrations handout.
This poster addresses the importance of healthy celebrations for children. Risks of using food as a reward are discussed. Ideas for ways to celebrate the child, as well as healthy party snack and activity ideas are provided.
Topics
- Nutrition
- Health
- Celebrations
- Parties
- Using food as a reward
- Healthy party snacks
- Party activities
- Rewards
- SNAP
Pages
- One 24 x 36 inches poster
See poster content below.
Healthy Celebrations
Healthy celebrations provide an opportunity to make healthy eating fun for children, while promoting positive choices.
Benefits of healthy celebrations:
- Provide a consistent message about food
- Help fight childhood obesity
- Create positive associations with healthy food and activity
- Encourage healthy habits that will last a lifetime
If food is offered, include fruits, veggies, whole grains, low-fat dairy and water for beverages.
Why is using food as a reward discouraged?
- Provides excess calories and added sugar
- Encourages overeating of less healthy foods
- Makes treat foods seem even more desirable
- Promotes eating when not hungry
Party activity ideas:
- Provide small nonfood items, such as colored pencils, jump rope, erasers, stickers or bubbles.
- Create a healthy party idea book. Ask friends and family to share healthy recipes for snacks or ideas for activities, games and crafts.
- Instead of a sweets table, create a fruits and veggies table with a variety of options.
- Take the focus off food. Plan fun activities that get everyone moving.
Celebrate the child.
- Make a wall of fame for your child to celebrate their achievements.
- Make a book with positive messages from family and friends.
- Plant a tree or flowers in the garden or backyard.
- Let your child pick a movie or game for the family to enjoy together.