How to Add Family-Style Dining to Your Meals

In our program, children eat meals together “family style.”

Family-style dining means that children serve themselves at snack and meals. Children are more likely to try healthy options when they’re able to choose their own foods. It helps children identify portion sizes, recognize when they are hungry or satisfied, and improve fine motor skills. Practice it as a family by:

• Using kid-friendly place settings, serving dishes, and utensils
• Remembering each child’s skill level
• Giving each child a task to help set the table
• Reserving extra servings and utensils in case anything gets dropped
• Keeping cleaning supplies and a trash can nearby for cleanup

This content is curated from Early Learning's Fall 2025 issue of Health Digest, a newsletter for families.