Food, nutrition and eating skills are among the most important things you can share with children. We are all very aware that this particular skill set is quite difficult even among nutrition professionals. Children can be defiant when it comes to eating well and teenagers can just be too busy. As a parent, grandparent or adult caregiver, you can help to raise healthy eaters during these critical years by doing your best and by following these tips from the ADA:

Serve regular, balanced meals and snacks with a variety of nutrient-rich foods.

Provide calm, pleasant meal times where adults and children can talk together.

Allow children to use their internal signals to decide how much and what to eat.

Explore a variety of flavors and foods from different cultures and cuisines.

Share an appreciation for healthful food, by introducing a variety of fruits and vegetables. 

Make simple food safety, like washing hands, part of every eating occasion.

Teach basic skills for making positive food choices away from home.

Find credible food and nutrition resources when you don't know the answer.

Lastly, take your kids to the supermarket and use it as a lesson in healthy nutrition.Take them around the perimeter of the supermarket and teach them how to make good choices. As your children get older let them help you prepare and choose recipes that are both healthy and fun and make mealtime a good time :)