Improving Young Children's Self-Regulation and Healthy Eating Habits: Four Core Guidance Strategies by Sarah Braaten, Ph.D.

What do waiting, taking turns, trying new foods, and recognizing hunger and fullness cues have in common? They're all important aspects of early childhood development, and understanding the connection between self-regulation and healthy eating habits can help educators more intentionally support both.

In the first session of this two-part series, Sarah Braaten, Ph.D., will explore the science behind the development of self-regulation and healthy eating habits, including why these strategies matter and how they influence one another. You'll be introduced to four core, evidence-based guidance strategies that support both areas of development and discover how intentional interactions with young children can create meaningful opportunities for learning and growth.

Through practical examples, you'll explore how these guidance strategies can be incorporated into everyday interactions, particularly during mealtimes, to support children's developing independence, self-regulation, and healthy eating habits.

Join us to build a foundation for understanding these interconnected areas of development and discover practical ways to support young children in your early childhood setting.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the importance of self-regulation development in early childhood.

2. Explain the importance of healthy eating habits in early childhood and their relationship to self-regulation development.

3. Identify the four core guidance skills and describe how they can be used to support the co-development of self-regulation skills and healthy eating habits in early childhood settings.

Disclosure: Sarah Braaten holds a financial interest in Enhancing Childhoods, LLC and may reference it during this session.