Mealtime Hints
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         1. Keep mealtime atmosphere light and pleasant. 2. Encourage children to talk at the table. 3. Don't force children to eat or to clean their plates. 4. Plan an adequate length of time for a leisurely paced meal. 5. Develop good eating habits. 6. Introduce one new food at a time. 7. Introduce the new food at the beginning of the meal. 8. Continue to serve new foods. 9. Respect a child's cultural background. 10. Involve children in the preparation and serving of food. 11. Serve small portions of food. 12. Separate servings of food--vegetables, meats, and salads. 13. Serve foods with delicate flavors, rather than spicy ones. 14. Provide contrast in color, texture (crunchy, creamy, soft) and temperature. 15. Praise children for eating and trying new foods instead of commenting on not eating. 16. Set an example for table manners. 17. Make your table look appealing. 18. Encourage children to serve themselves and pour their own milk. 19. Do not use food as a bribe or reward. 20. Teach children the names of foods. 
 
 
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