Parents are children's most important teachers.
Talk to kids about smart food choices, and how important they are for learning and doing well in school, playing for fun and sports, and feeling good and staying healthy.

Good Nutrition for Back to School is as Easy as 1-2-3-A-Day™ of Dairy (PDF)

Use positive messages.
They help avoid the stress and guilt that can lead to eating disorders and poorer eating patterns as children get older. Let kids know that all foods fit into a healthy diet — there are no "good" or "bad" foods. The key is moderation. Discuss the importance of eating from the Five Food Groups and choosing fewer foods from the tip or the Pyramid. Eat these foods in addition to (not in place of) the Five Food Groups.

Set expectations.
It's easier for children to make healthy food choices when they know your family's "nutrition rules of the road." For example, everyone in the family starts the day with breakfast, milk is the beverage served at meals, and after-school snacks are from the food groups, not the tip of the Pyramid.

Talk about nutritious choices wherever you go.
Whether it's a fast food restaurant, convenience store or vending machines, encourage kids to find nutritious options such as shakes or flavored milk instead of soda.

Make good nutrition convenient.
Pack the kitchen with nutritious foods that are ready to eat: fruits, vegetables, milk and whole-grain snacks instead of high-fat, high sugar snacks. Remind kids that they are there for the asking.

Involve children.
Let children help plan meals, make the grocery list, unpack groceries and prepare meals. Use each of these activities as an opportunity to talk about healthy food choices.

Make mealtime family time.
Eating together as a family promotes good eating habits and overall good nutrition. Involve kids in the planning and preparing. It helps them learn that mealtime is important family time.