For Trend Tots, an Auckland home-based early learning service, there are many opportunities for positive food exploration.
Home-based early learning services are licensed providers that offer a network of childcare locations. Each location is based out of an educator's home and each educator cares for a maximum of four children.
Trend Tots consists of 15 educators in total to support 80 children across Tāmaki Makaurau. With each educator caring for a smaller group, tamariki can benefit from personalised and supportive food environments - a key component to nurture tamariki, according to Trend Tots.
Approaching conversations with curiosity
National Co-ordinator Reneesha Chirammal believes in a gentle and curious approach to support whānau with lunchbox ideas. She's learned that convenience, cost, and existing knowledge is important to whānau when providing food.
"At the end of the day, all parents want their child to eat well," says Reneesha. "We [Renesha and the educators] want to give them the confidence to do that."
At each Trend Tots location, parents pack their children's food for the day and educators share nourishing meal ideas with parents to take home.
Using her own experience as a parent, Reneesha adds fun to meals by encouraging children to eat 'Hulk Pasta' or 'Superman Pasta', all the while incorporating additional tinned or frozen vegetables.
"If time is a barrier for whānau, we offer the option to bring whole fruits and vegetables. Because each group is small, our educators have time to cut these up for children to eat."
Maintaining strong relationships with whānau
Strong whānau relationships are at the heart of Trend Tots' philosophy. Communication happens online and kanohi-ki-te-kanohi (face-to-face).
"We send newsletters using the Educa software," explains Reneesha. "Seasonal newsletters include tips, recipes, and updates. Additional notices go out in response to parent requests or to share ideas."
Given that the Trend Tots network spreads across Tāmaki Makaurau, Reneesha prioritises meeting each child's whānau personally. "It's important to build trust and tailor our support from the start."
Through strong relationships and respectful, non-judgemental approach, Trend Tots creates a space where tamariki and their families feel supported to grow together.
Trend Tots recipe card
Trend Tots resource
Winter heroes fruits and veggies [PDF]
Health New Zealand resource
Preparing foods for under 5s to prevent food-relating choking [PDF]