NOW’S THE TIME TO TEACH AT-HOME NUTRITION

With a lot of parents facing the challenge of keeping housebound kids happy and healthy, this is the perfect time to teach kids the basics of nutrition and eating right. (Family Features)

HEALTHY SNACK TIME TASTE TESTS: Sometimes it feels like kids can snack all day long on easy-to-grab crackers, chips or cookies. Next time they reach into the snack pantry, try incorporating a taste test or food critic activity to encourage something different and more nutritious.

PURPOSEFUL PLAYTIME: Many households have a play kitchen or some kind of play food. Use this as an opportunity to act out how to create a healthy kitchen with activities like making salad, setting the table, peeling bananas and washing dishes. This can help young children become more independent, learn what to expect and grow into little helpers at family mealtime.

SENSORY ACTIVITY: One idea that can work for school and at home is making a sensory box. Simply place a fruit or two inside a tissue box and have children put their hands inside then try to guess which fruit it is by feeling it.

Suggestions from Melanie Marcus, MA, RD, health and nutrition communications manager for Dole Food Company - www.dole.com