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Let Your Toddler Decide How Much to Eat to Promote a Healthy Lifestyle

Last Updated: September 14, 2009

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Parenting Tips for Your 33-34 Month Old Toddler

Toddlers are still growing and learning. If you start now to teach healthy habits for eating and exercising, it can last a lifetime.

Tips for helping your child learn how to develop a healthy lifestyle:

  • Provide your toddler a balanced diet from all the food groups, protein, bread/grains, and fruits/vegetables. Most toddlers need about 3 meals and 2 healthy snacks each day.
  • Let your toddler decide how much to eat. Remember, toddlers need smaller portions than adults.
  • Toddlers can serve themselves. They are better at choosing the right amount of food.
  • Do not force your toddler to eat. This can cause your toddler to eat too much.
  • Do not bribe your toddler with treats for eating healthy foods. This teaches toddlers to dislike the healthy food.
  • Make meal and snack times relaxed. Sit and talk with your toddler while eating.
  • Let your toddler see you eating healthy foods. They learn from you.
  • Exercise daily. Make sure your toddler gets plenty of time to be active.


Most toddlers need about 2 hours of active time each day. You can find ideas for physical activity at my pyramid for preschoolers age 2-5.


Learn more about Your Toddler: 33-34 Months from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.


Note to Parents: When reading this newsletter, remember: Every baby is different. Children may do things earlier or later than described here. This newsletter gives equal space and time to both sexes. If he or she is used, we are talking about all babies.
References: These materials were adapted by authors from Extension Just in Time Parenting Newsletters in California, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Tennessee, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Wisconsin.

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