24 secrets of daycare teachers—steal their tricks!

My kid will only eat four foods—and they're all beige. One reason many kids eat so well at daycare is because they see all their friends eating. That’s one reason (among many) to prioritize eating together as a family at home. Studies show that children who eat meals with their families are more likely to experience long-term physical and mental health benefits. At Hudson Bay Child Care Co-operative, all kids and ECEs sit down together for meals, family style. “Our kids help set the table; they dish up themselves; they pour their own milk,” says Sjuberg. This gives kids the chance to really immerse themselves in the eating experience. While she says they don’t force kids to eat, the opportunity to see other children and adults enjoying a wide range of foods encourages picky eaters to try new flavours.