If your kids turn up their noses at the broccoli casserole you just baked and ask instead for a peanut butter sandwich, don't lose your cool. Instead, tie an apron on them, put a spoon in their hands, and let them begin learning the joys of cooking!
Let them get their hands messy
Are your children picky eaters? Are you looking for ways to
encourage them to eat more? It seems every parent goes through
the challenge of dealing with their kids' eating habits. One
solution is to get them involved in meal preparation. They'll
enjoy getting their hands messy and at the end will be able to
say, "I helped Mommy make this!" It makes children happy to
know they were your "big helpers" for the day.Kym Muckler
notes, "The other day my kids made Nacho Flowers all by
themselves. It’s sour cream and salsa mixed together and
scooped in the center of a plate. They then put nacho chips
around it to form the petal of the flower. Then they sprinkle
shredded cheese, onion and tomatoes over the flowers. They were
so cute and proud of these."
Cooking lessons teach responsibility and
cleanliness
Kids learn about responsibility and cleanliness when they help
out in the kitchen. It also shows them it takes a lot of time
to prepare a meal, and that it doesn’t automatically
prepare itself. If you’re not ready to have your kids help
out in the kitchen, there are many other ways they can help.
For example, setting the table, planting a vegetable garden or
even grocery shopping. Have them plan menus for lunch or dinner
the next day. If they choose the meal they are more likely to
eat it.
"My kids (ages four and six) each has one day a week when they are responsible for preparing all the meals for that day," says Yvette De Luca, freelance writer and mother of two. "We do this for many reasons. Both girls are fiercely independent, and enjoy being responsible for a portion of household chores. Menu planning, making a list, shopping and cooking are wonderful learning activities for young children. My oldest gets to practice planning a healthful meal, thinking ahead to plan the shopping list, writing and reading, money management. I give them a specific amount of money they can spend. If they go over they have to ask me for the extra and figure out why they went over. Plus they are both learning how to cook. They both love being in charge of family meals one day a week. And they have their specialty dishes."
Meals on the run
Parents nowadays are always on the run. All week long they go
between practices, games and school events. You may be in a
hurry and need something quick to eat - maybe your kids can
even make it.
Stephany Hanson has her kids make a simple snack that is easy to take along anywhere. It is called a "Peanut Butter Roll-Up." Spread peanut butter (and jelly if desired) on a tortilla and roll it up. "It is easy to eat, and not too messy."
Help kids choose a balanced diet
It also seems that children are learning more and more how to
eat the vegetarian way. There are plenty of healthy vegetarian
meals you can prepare. And you have many choices to substitute
your meat portion. It is your responsibility as a parent to
provide foods that meet nutritional needs and to encourage
healthful choices. Follow the Food Pyramid and teach it to your
children.
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