Let’s Talk About Food: How to Have Healthy Conversations
- The Wonder Company Team
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 20 hours ago
Helping Holiday Club Providers Engage Kids in Life-Changing Ways
Food is more than fuel.
It’s connection, culture, comfort—and for children, it’s also a key part of how they learn about health, habits, and themselves.
But when conversations about food become pressured, moralised, or over-complicated, they can do more harm than good.
That’s why we’re encouraging holiday club providers to reframe the food talk—not as a lecture, but as an opportunity to spark curiosity, build confidence, and create long-term change.
Why It Matters
The HAF programme isn’t just about filling tummies. It’s about nourishing young minds and setting them up for healthy, happy futures. Kids who understand food in a positive way are more likely to:
Develop healthy habits that last a lifetime
Feel empowered rather than judged
Explore new foods without fear or pressure
Build emotional and physical confidence
So, how do we make food talk fun, stress-free, and transformative?
Here are some top tips for your providers:
Talk With Kids, Not At Them
Start a conversation, not a lecture. Ask questions like:
“What’s your favourite food and why?”
“Have you ever tried something that surprised you?”
“If you invented a healthy snack, what would it be?”
This encourages ownership and makes children feel heard and involved.
Focus on What Food Can Do
Rather than banning or blaming foods, flip the script.
“Carrots help you see in the dark!”
“Whole grains give your brain power!”
“Water helps your muscles and your mood!”
Kids love knowing the “why”—especially when it’s about superheroes, energy, or feeling strong.
Make it Playful
Use activities like taste-testing games, DIY snack-building, or fun food challenges. Our Healthy Living resources are packed with conversation starters, games, and creative prompts designed to make learning about food fun and memorable.
Connect Food to Feelings
Help kids notice how they feel after different types of food.
“How did that smoothie make you feel—energised, full, thirsty again?”
“What kind of foods make you feel your best when you play?”
It’s a powerful way to teach self-awareness without judgement.
Keep it Positive and Open
Avoid language like “good” vs. “bad” food. Instead, talk about balance, trying new things, and listening to your body.
“Some foods give us quick energy, some give us lasting energy—both can be useful!”
“We all like different things—that’s what makes food so fun!”
The Power of a Simple Chat
By empowering children to think, talk, and feel positively about food, we’re giving them more than a meal—we’re giving them a foundation for life. And it all starts with one positive, pressure-free conversation.
Free Download: Conversation Prompt Cards
Want to bring these food and wellbeing conversations to life? Download our colourful Conversation Prompt Cards—perfect for snack time, group chats, or quiet moments with individual children. Each card includes a fun, open-ended question designed to spark confidence, curiosity, and mindful habits.
👇 Download the Free Cards Here
Keep the Momentum Going...
Looking for even more resources to support your holiday club sessions?
Our Healthy Living Activity Magazines are packed with games, crafts, challenges, and wellbeing prompts that help children explore food, movement, and mental health in a hands-on, joyful way.
They’re ready to go and proven to make an impact.
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