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Kids can Contribute to Meal Preparation!
Focus on building confidence in the kitchen. What to eat or not to eat is one of the few things a kid can control. Offer a variety of toppings for dishes (check out the Fish Taco recipe on PTSC website) so a kid can chose how they want their dish. Try to include kids in every meal, it is important to show them that they are not an inconvenience in the kitchen. Try new healthy recipes together, making notes along the way. *Develop your own family recipe book.*
If you have a name you have a job in the kitchen-By including kids you can help build their confidence, develop skills and expand the taste palate. Every family member can help in some way like set the table, stir the sauce, mix the salad, peel the carrots. Cooking is an activity and a great way to get to spend time together.
Mayday! Mayday! Always have a back-up plan in mind. If the chicken burns or the pasta overcooks you still have to eat something. Have a quick-fix healthy plan B. Use timers, everyone forgets what is in the oven or on the stove when they walk away, timers hold true to their name.
Shopping: Planning ahead can help make a quick healthy meals. Have kids make suggestions for the weekly menu. Take them along shopping to start identifying raw ingredients. Develop math skills by pricing the cost per ounce of fruit and vegetables, (or any food). Find out where the food comes from (it's a geography lesson), grow your own, and have them talk to the growers at the farmers market.
Lead by Example: Kids will learn by watching you, so be sure you are eating your veggies and whole wheat pasta. Taking care of yourself is a good lesson for your children. Create a menu standards; each meal much include vegetables, fruit, dairy, protein, and healthy carbohydrates. This will help create a distinction between "sometimes foods" and healthy eating.
