Food Chart

Somebody please reassure me that my children are not the only ones who lack in the veggies department?  Please?  My children always do better with things (attitude, chores, etc.) if there is a cool chart or stickers involved.  And so, may I present to you....my fruit, veggies, and water chart. ;)

It's super simple, and anyone can easily re-create it to suit their needs.  You will need paper, markers, and either laminating sheets or clear packing tape.  I don't have a laminator at home, so I used tape to cover the sheet.  

I made 4 spots for fruits, 4 for veggies, and 8 for water.  The amount required to fill in a "completed" square can (and should) vary by age.  For example, a 2-4 year old child needs a TOTAL of 1 - 1 1/2 cups of fruit per day, and the same goes for vegetables (check HERE to see food size guidelines by age & gender).  So, my girls could fill in one fruit square after they eat 1/4-1/2 of a small apple.  I am only asking that they fill in 3 of each fruit and veggie category, so each of the first 3 squares would be a little less than 1/2 cup up to 1/2 cup total.  The 4th square would be a bonus square ;)  (They will easily fill their fruit squares!)

Since you have covered your chart with laminating paper or clear tape, you can now hang it on your fridge and have your child mark out the squares with a dry erase or washable Crayola marker!  Each morning, simply wipe clean with a wet rag and start over.

There you have it!  A super simple, frugal, and inspiring new way to help you children:

1. Eat more healthfully 
2. Learn to recognize numbers 
3. Addition & subtraction (how many more glasses of water do you need to drink to get to 8?)
4. Take more responsibility for their eating & health

Enjoy!