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Directions: Providing nutritious meals and snacks is an important function of your program. It is also important for staff members to model a healthy approach to physical activity. However, sometimes it is not so easy. Read these scenarios and decide how you would respond. Compare your answers to the suggested responses.

1. “He just never eats anything. Honestly, I don’t know how he stays alive,” Jody exclaims as you watch Paul dump a full plate of food into the garbage. “His body is so small, and his mom has asked me to write her a note everyday about how much he eats. I just can’t get him to take a single bite of anything other than peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. He’s got to eat something. What should I do?” How would you respond to Jody?

   Talk to Jody about ways to encourage food experimentation to broaden Paul’s palette. Offer interesting combinations of foods and build this into lesson plans. For example, they could taste red, yellow, and green peppers and vote on which ones they like. They could try the peppers with and without a sauce. Continue making sure Paul is offered every food every day, and that he is encouraged to take portions of every food. Continue sharing information with Paul’s mother. 

    
2. As you walk into the front office, you overhear raised voices drifting from the manager’s office. You notice Lillian, an active duty Marine and the parent of a school-age child. She is holding a pamphlet from your program’s new nutrition initiative. “I think it’s great you’re doing this, but I don’t think a few cooking activities are going to change the messages our kids are already getting from the staff. I mean, I don’t want to be insensitive, but I’m not seeing a lot of healthy role models around here. You know, many of your military parents have to meet regular weigh-ins to keep mission ready ... what is your staff doing?”. Dawn, the manager, sees you and pulls you into the room. How would you respond to the parent?

   Thank the parent for her concern and for bringing her concerns to your attention. Let her know that your program is committed to modeling healthy habits, but you are also committed to modeling inclusive attitudes and healthy body images. Let her know that the fitness initiative is program-wide: children, youth, families, and staff are all welcome to get involved. 

    
3. Sandra, a staff member in your preschool program, constantly jokes about being “allergic to exercise.” When kids ask her to play outdoor games, she always has a witty comment and a reason to sit on the bench with other children. How would you address this issue with Sandra?

   First, talk to Sandra about your observations and try to determine whether there is a physical or emotional reason Sandra is not comfortable playing actively. If Sandra discloses a disability, work with management to provide adequate staffing and supports on the playground. Try to understand Sandra’s perspective: is she recovering from an injury? Does she have balance or stability issues? Is she worried about her ability to keep up or play along with the kids? Does she have asthma or another condition that makes exercise more risky? Talk to Sandra directly about her responsibilities and brainstorm ways to make sure children and Sandra are supported . Remind her that if adults are not moving around the playground, they cannot supervise children adequately. Her words may also be sending children confusing messages about exercise. . Child development staff should model enthusiasm and willingness to try new things. They should also model curiosity and active learning. Set small, achievable goals with Sandra for increasing her activity and involvement on the playground. Brainstorm activities she enjoys that the children might enjoy, as well. If Sandra does not respond, talk to your supervisor about your concerns.