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There is a mitzva to eat and drink heartily on the day leading into Yom Kippur so as to prepare properly for the fast. Moreover, all mitzvot are supposed to be done joyfully, even the mitzva of repentance, though joy during repentance is inappropriate, as one of the primary components of repentance is regret (which is why Yom Kippur is a fast day). Therefore, we express this joy before Yom Kippur, through eating and drinking. Even those exempt from fasting because they are dangerously ill, have a mitzva to eat before Yom Kippur to celebrate the festival and the repentance.
Many parents bless their children before Yom Kippur. This includes wishing them a good year, and wishing them to be righteous people with wonderful families.
