Mealtime with Kids

Let’s talk mealtime… 

 

Do you get stressed out over making meals for your children? Do you make multiple meals for your family or do you stand strong and prepare one meal for everyone no matter what? I made a decision a while back that I wouldn’t be a short order cook and that I would never cook multiple meals to please my children. Here are some tips that have helped me out with enforcing my own rule:

 

If my kids refuse to eat their meal, they know they can always grab a piece of fruit or a vegetable. While I won’t make a separate meal or let them have other snacks, raw veggies and fruit are always a grab and go option at any time before or after a meal. It’s a great way for kids to get their nutrients too! You hate dinner?? Fine, finish all the berries and peppers! 

 

Have your kids pick one dinner a night when you’re making your menu plan. That way they feel involved and that their voice is being heard. 

 

Let your kid help prepare a meal with you at least once a week. Yes, it’s annoying and messy, but I’ve learned over the years that if my kids help me prepare an entire meal and taste it along the way as I’m chopping and cooking, that they’re much more likely to eat it and enjoy it. 

 

Let your kid help you grocery shop for the ingredients for a meal and spend that time educating them about the foods they’re picking out.