Due to the COVID-19 pandemic affecting America today, many children have moved from the classroom to the house for e-learning online. Schooling has changed dramatically from a year ago due to the coronavirus, and it has changed schedules for both parents and children. However, with all this online schooling, many parents are finding it difficult to ensure their children are eating healthy when they snack between meals. At Park View Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we understand the importance of a healthy and nutritious diet, and this shouldn’t be overlooked at times like this.
How can I enforce my child to eat healthier snacks?
First and foremost, it is critical that you limit their access to candies, sodas, and other high-sugar products. If they’re not in the house, there will not be the temptation to consume them when hunger strikes. Instead, it’s always a great idea to make healthy snacks available and accessible all day long to encourage good overall health and better dental health. Cut and package fruits such as oranges and apples, or leave snack-size bags of peanuts and cubed cheese. When given healthy options, many children will comply with a better diet and improved nutrition.
Second, reduce snacking between meals as much as possible, since most children do not brush and floss after each snack as they may for meals. Limit the amount they can eat throughout the day.
If you’re finding it hard to offer fruits and vegetables as a snack that your child will enjoy, take them with you to the grocery store to pick out their own foods of interest. There are many tasty snacks in the produce area of grocery stores that parents might overlook for fruit snacks or chips. Let your child be in charge of making those decisions to ensure you’re picking foods they will enjoy and reach for.
Educate yourself further on ways to maintain a healthy smile during the COVID-19 pandemic
Park View Pediatric Dentistry is still accepting new and current patients in need of dental work during this time, and is following the strict compliance with CDC and federal recommendations for safety. We encourage you to book a consultation appointment at our practice by calling (212) 879-6518 and visiting our practice in Suite 303 at 800A Fifth Avenue in New York, NY.