Getting kids to eat can be tough.
Whether you’re a parent, caretaker, or the babysitter next door, when you’re taking care of kids your day is sure to be packed, and making sure mealtime runs smoothly will help the rest of your day run the same.
If you want to spend less time fighting with fussy eaters and more time enjoying activities, these simple food hacks from New Dimensions Family Day Home Program will get your kids digging in in no time.
- Kids love SHAPES!
To make an otherwise boring or unappealing food seem more interesting, cut it up into different shapes to add visual interest. Foods like pancakes, sandwiches, and even eggs may look bland to your child’s eye but cut it into shapes of stars and moons and suddenly the food is transformed! Use cookie cutters for best results, lest your talents be other than artistic!
COLOR makes all the difference.
A variety of colors is key in reeling in those kiddo’s appetites. A plate full of fruits and veggies in all the colors of the rainbow is going to be a lot more appealing than a sad pile of broccoli next to their sandwich. Using a variety is also a surefire way to make sure they’re getting all of their nutrients for the day. Fruits and veggies are magical in the way that each different color means you’re getting a different benefit, so load up!
- Participation is key.
Kids naturally want to be helpful and recognized for their contributions (most of the time!), and the same goes for mealtime. Letting your child be a part of the meal preparation will make them more likely to want to eat the food because they had their very own part to prepare it. Whether you take them grocery shopping with you, let them help in the kitchen or even simply having your child set the table, involving your kids in the meal prep process will keep them more engaged and get them excited to eat!
When All Else Fails; Grind it Up!
Sometimes kids are just going through a picky eating phase. A food they liked before may suddenly become the worst food ever, and you’re left wondering what to do about it. This is when going back to the basics comes in handy. It might just be a texture or a smell that’s putting your child off to a certain food, so try blending it up into a smoothie or sauce to shake things up. This is also a great way to sneak in extra nutrients by adding a few pieces of spinach or other healthy choices your child might shy away from normally.
Now that you’re stocked up on fresh food hacks, it’s time to put them to action and stock up on mealtime victories, making your daily schedule smoother than ever!
