How to help your caregiver with this topic

• Serve nutritious foods at home, set an example by eating healthy.



• If you don’t think that your child is getting the necessary nutrition (ie correct amounts of the various food groups), print some of the resources below for your caregiver. If appropriate, talk to your caregiver about the benefits of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). (http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Care/CACFP/cacfphome.htm) and caregiver's possible eligibility.



• Clip coupons for nutritious foods; alert your caregiver to special sales.



• To celebrate your child’s special occasions, bring treats of fresh fruit, or non-food items like books. Check with your caregiver first on what would be appropriate and appreciated.



• Share nutritious, low cost recipes with your caregiver.



• Slow cookers (e.g. Crock-Pot™) or rice cookers make nice gifts because they can reduce the kitchen time during hours when children are present.



• Homemade ice pops (plain water in a plastic popsicle freezer set) are a great way to encourage water intake, soothe teething gums and cool off hot kids without a sticky mess. Consider buying a dishwasher safe set for your caregiver.



• Consider buying a plastic dispenser (jug with a spigot) that children can use to dispense their own drinking water.