On November 12, Scarlet Welborn, one of RPC’s infant-toddler TA specialists, appeared on WGHP Fox 8 News’ Mommy Matters segment. She spoke with Cindy Farmer about how to use holiday food preparation and meal times as a way to broaden the palates of picky eaters as well as introduce new, healthy foods into your family’s routine menus.
The first recommendation Scarlet made was to allow children to be part of the planning. Preschoolers and even some older toddlers can help you pick a recipe. They can also help you at the grocery store as you point to what’s needed, read labels, and place items in your cart.
At home, there are many ways toddlers and preschoolers can help make the food. They can add ingredients to a bowl, stir, and arrange foods on a pan or tray.
“Being hands-on allows the children to see the process of making the meals unfold and keeps them engaged,” Scarlet said. “And when they participate, they will be more inclined to try the finished product of something they were able to help make.”
Scarlet also suggested eating meals with the children. While we may have memories of the “kiddie” table during large family gatherings, when the children sit among the adults and see others trying foods new to them, they will be more inclined to try the food. It also makes the children feel more comfortable during meal times as they watch others enjoying different foods. Table discussion that includes a child’s role in selecting and preparing dishes can also break down barriers when it comes to tasting something different.
Lastly, how we handle a food a child doesn’t like can affect what they may or may not try in the future. Praise them for trying a new dish or food. Let them know it’s okay if they don’t like it. And encourage them to say, “It’s not my favorite now, but I will try it again another time,” rather than, “I don’t like it.” It’s also important to model this narrative when you try foods you don’t like. Just because we don’t prefer boiled Brussels sprouts doesn’t mean we wouldn’t like them roasted. And our tastes change over time. So just because we don’t like mushrooms today doesn’t mean we will never like mushrooms. These are important lessons we can start teaching our little ones early in life.
Introducing new foods, helping to cook, sharing family recipes and traditions, and enjoying each other’s company around the table are all part of the holiday magic we can share with toddlers and preschoolers.
Cooking and eating together also offers many opportunities to employ The Basics Randolph. Read and Discuss Stories happens when you’re reading, considering, and making a recipe. Talk, Sing, and Point as well as Count, Group, and Compare are all things you are doing as you gather ingredients and make the dish with your little one. As they handle spoons, pots and pans, bowls, flour, dough, vegetables, and more, they are Exploring Through Movement and Play. And family cooking and meal times help you Maximize Love and Manage Stress as you make cherished memories during the holidays.
