Cooking For Children

Cooking for children is a little more difficult sometimes than cooking for an adult. Your average adult will nod politely and find a way to dispose of unwanted food, where a child might protest loudly. Children and food can be a highly unpredictable combination.  Why is it that a children will eat chicken nuggets but sometimes not like a slice of chicken?   Many parents I know have given in and let their child eat whatever they want for the sake of peace. What they need to remember is what is best for the child. They are focusing on what is best for them by focusing on peace, but they could be allowing many health issues to develop in their children which might not show up until much later in their life.

Children are much more likely to eat the things they had a hand in preparing as a matter of accomplishment and pride. It’s psychological warfare I know but all is fair in war and dinnertime. Children and parents are busy and have so little time to be together as a family. That’s why I encourage you to spend time with your children in the kitchen. Eventually you will have lots of help in the kitchen, plus you will be making memories together.

Encourage him to ask questions about the ingredients. Children can learn many new things through the preparation process. Encourage your children to try new things rather than cooking the same few meals over and over again that you know they are likely to eat.

Children love to dip their food in something such as, catsup or dressing. Carrots and celery sticks make great dipping foods and are nutritious.

When you have a variety of good foods available, your child is more likely to enjoy good food. If I had doughnuts and cookies around, I wouldn’t choose good food either. Try running out of chicken nuggets, hot dogs, and whatever other foods you know aren’t good for your children. You’ll be amazed at what they come up with when their regular staple foods are not available.

Cooking for children doesn’t have to be a daily hassle. Work together at having good food in your house and you’ll probably notice that they enjoy helping make foods that their bodies need.