Nutrition matters for the early years - Health Promotion Agency

Rewards and
celebrations
Rewards for good behaviour and the celebration of special occasions, such as birthdays,
often involve sugary foods and drinks. The frequent consumption of sugary foods and
drinks can adversely affect dental and general health; therefore they should be limited.
Encouraging good behaviour
Children should be given encouragement for good behaviour. This can be in the form of
smiles or praise, or simply giving the child attention. This form of positive encouragement
is preferable to the practice of giving items such as sweets, chocolates, small toys etc.
Parties and special occasions
Depending on how frequently these are celebrated you may want to try some of the
following.
• Discuss with parents what foods and drinks are appropriate for them to provide -
encourage healthier choices.
• Offer some ideas for healthier party food, for example:
- sandwiches cut into fancy shapes;
- finger sized pieces of pizza and quiche;
- cocktail sausages;
- plain, unsalted popcorn;
- birthday cake (a plain sponge cake decorated with fruit by the birthday child);
- fruit punch (diluted pure fruit juice - 1 part juice to 10 parts water - with chopped
fruit added);
- fruit and raw vegetables cut into fingers or fancy shapes.
• Focus on the sense of occasion rather than simply the supply of party food.
• Hold a theme party and encourage children to dress up.
• Encourage children to play active party games, eg musical statues; blind man’s bluff;
musical chairs; have a mini disco.
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