I remember, as a youngster, my mother didn't make any special meals for my brother and me. We ate the meal our parents ate - meat, starch, veggies and all. I'd like to do the same, but, since I can't usually get home for my dinner break until after 7:00, Luke and Emma have to eat earlier.
So, we've fallen into a cycle of fish sticks, chicken nuggets and pizza for dinner. Sure, they eat rice and some veggies as well (Luke: broccoli or green beans, Emma: peas or corn.) But I don't want our children developing such a limited palette.
Nutritionists suggest a great way to get your preschoolers excited about eating a range of healthy foods is to involve them in the family's meal-planning decisions. Let him help you make out menus and a grocery list. Have them check to see whether you're out of certain items and suggest favorite dinners or breakfasts. When you take them food shopping, ask them to hold the grocery list for you as you shop. Give them a few choices to make along the way: Peaches or oranges? Peas or carrots? Graham crackers or fig bars? Encourage their involvement in the kitchen, helping put healthy toppings on pizza or making a fruit salad.
I've found children love dips. Sure, it starts with ketchup, but Luke and Emma can really pack away the carrot sticks and celery when they can dip them into ranch dressing. Guacamole has also become a favorite dip.
A great rule of thumb: lead by example. When your children see you eating, and enjoying, a variety of healthy foods, they may be more inclined to join in. The other weekend, at a restaurant, I was raving about my stuffed flounder. Without being encouraged, Luke asked to taste it. The fish was ok, but he REALLY liked the crabmeat stuffing.
This past weekend, we returned to the same restaurant. There, Luke ordered crab cakes... with his pizza. I also got him to eat a few of my green beans.
Hey, it's a start.
Happy parenting!
Read more Parenting Perspective blogs by visiting the Parenting Channel on 6abc.com.
