What guideline should parents follow regarding meal quantity for preschool children?

The guideline regarding meal quantity for preschool children emphasizes that quality and nutrition are more important than the frequency or quantity of meals. In this context, while it is beneficial for a child to have multiple nutritious meals throughout the day, some children may naturally prefer to have less food intake at times, which can lead parents to focus on ensuring one nutritious meal. This recognizes that children's appetite can vary, and as long as the one meal they do have is balanced and nutritious, it can provide a sufficient foundation for their dietary needs.

By ensuring at least one nutritious meal, parents are encouraged to prioritize nutrition over strict meal timing or quantity requirements, allowing for flexibility according to each child's unique eating patterns. This approach helps to foster a healthy relationship with food and can help in avoiding power struggles over eating that might occur with more rigid meal guidelines.