Parenting Under the Stars

My kids are not that fussy but they will get bored with the same things just like anyone else. A few tricks I have found to make the meals more exciting and sometimes make them think they’re getting something new are:

• Change up the noodle shape. Instead of plain spaghetti noodles try bows, spirals, shells or penne. I do this all the time and I also make up new names so I don’t have to listen to them say, spaghetti again!? My younger son is actually acquiring a more delicate palate so I have to actually toss in some new ingredients as well. He will ask me, “What’s that new flavor?” Sometimes it’s chili, garlic or cumin. Sometimes it’s the leftover zucchinis chopped up so small they will never know what it is.

• Give them gravy. I don’t know why but they eat a lot things better with gravy. Perhaps because I previously dried things out too much but with gravy they can’t tell this. My quick and cheap gravy that they go nuts over is made with a simple chicken or beef bouillon cube, a cup or more of water, a couple spoons of flour (mixed with equal amounts of oil or butter before adding).

• Give them dip. They eat their fruit and vegetables better with it. A nutritious dip for fruit is yogurt and for vegetables we have used salad dressing, humus and chutney.

• Draw smiley faces on everything. This works better with smaller children. Raisins on top of a muffin. A smiley face made with dip is more attractive when offered with their vegetables. Jam on peanut butter, funny faces with bits of vegetables on pitas, pizzas, sandwiches etc.

• Make up new names. When I was learning how to cook, Betty Crocker was my favorite, she had all sorts of fun names for food, and I was so proud to serve my parents “mad hatter meatballs”.

• Let them help. Some will be more interested than others and it depends on their ages but meals that are fun for most to help with are things like tacos and kebabs. My youngest daughter has helped me make cookies so many times she has the recipe memorized and does everything but put it in the oven now. I frequently sneak things like wheat germ into oatmeal cookies too.

For more ideas see: 5 Ways to Sneak More Nutrition into Your Family’s Diet and Fun Food for Kids: Same Healthy Food Different Presentation.