Sara here ~ When my kids get home from daycare they are starving. And that makes them cranky and whiny. Knowing that there is still at least a half hour to supper, I try to give them a snack. This often helps me enjoy my time with them after being away from them all day, and stops me from locking them all in the basement until supper is done.
However, the dilemma is always "what to give them for a snack." As I mentioned, supper is only a half hour away so I don't want them to fill up and not eat all these great meals we plan them. On the other side, I want to exorcise them of the hunger demons that have possessed their bodies. Plus I am harried and hurried and trying to prep the meal, so I don't want to spend 20 minutes getting a snack ready first.
I find that pre-planning snacks can be a good idea too. Have things ready in the cupboard or the fridge to offer them right away, and then get to work on the main meal. Cheese is a good option, as are berries, or other fruit. I also keep some nuts handy, as well as dried fruit. Just a glass of milk or juice can do the trick too.
http://www.mealsmatter.org/CookingForFamily/Planning/Articles/Smart-snacking-Tips-for-children.aspx offers some great options for kids who need to snack.
Now - if I could only be so organized with my own snacks.
Showing posts with label Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tips. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Eating - Daddy Style
Sara here:
It has been so great to have a guest post from Dinner Dad this week. I hope you are all enjoying the menu. More than anything, however, I hope you are enjoying a man's perspective and contribution to mealtime chaos.
I have been talking to a lot of friends and it seems like men have become much more of a regular in the kitchen. In fact I have many friends who's husbands are the chef in their house. They don't like to cook - their husbands do. So nice to see those stereotypical gender roles breaking down.
Even though I am doing the cooking in our house (for the most part) I do try to be aware of the mindset I am creating with my three boys. I want them to understand that I do it because I enjoy it, not because it is my "job". I also try to encourage them to cook with me as much as possible. I want them to get to know food and techniques in the kitchen. I want them to be able to take care of themselves and eat well when they are older. Okay, I will be honest, I want them to be famous chefs and feed Mommy fancy meals on regular occasions. And buy me diamonds. It is the least I deserve.
But in the meantime, I will teach them how to use a carrot peeler, and how to properly wash their hands, and not to put their tongues on a beater while it is moving. Baby steps.
I found a great website from a Dad on tips (from his perspective) on mealtimes. Great advice! http://functionalfather.com/dinnertime-with-the-kids/ Enjoy!
Happy Eating!
It has been so great to have a guest post from Dinner Dad this week. I hope you are all enjoying the menu. More than anything, however, I hope you are enjoying a man's perspective and contribution to mealtime chaos.
I have been talking to a lot of friends and it seems like men have become much more of a regular in the kitchen. In fact I have many friends who's husbands are the chef in their house. They don't like to cook - their husbands do. So nice to see those stereotypical gender roles breaking down.
Even though I am doing the cooking in our house (for the most part) I do try to be aware of the mindset I am creating with my three boys. I want them to understand that I do it because I enjoy it, not because it is my "job". I also try to encourage them to cook with me as much as possible. I want them to get to know food and techniques in the kitchen. I want them to be able to take care of themselves and eat well when they are older. Okay, I will be honest, I want them to be famous chefs and feed Mommy fancy meals on regular occasions. And buy me diamonds. It is the least I deserve.
But in the meantime, I will teach them how to use a carrot peeler, and how to properly wash their hands, and not to put their tongues on a beater while it is moving. Baby steps.
I found a great website from a Dad on tips (from his perspective) on mealtimes. Great advice! http://functionalfather.com/dinnertime-with-the-kids/ Enjoy!
Happy Eating!
Monday, January 30, 2012
Healthy Eating Habits
Sara Here:
Do as I say, not as I do. Why doesn't that work?
I am a stress-eater. When I am tired, I eat. When I am worried, I eat. When I celebrate, I eat. Food is certainly my drug of choice, and I struggle with it daily.
I have been working very hard on this issue. I recognize it, and I try to name it when I know it is about to happen. I am trying to pay more attention to my body and ask myself "Am I hungry, or is there something else going on that is making that cookie so irresistible?" It is an up-hill battle, but I am climbing and lately, more days, I am winning.
However, the pressure I feel around this issue, beyond weight and health, has increased due to my children. I do not want them to emulate me. I want them to have healthy attitudes around food.
At the table I do not say, "Clean your plate." I say "Feel when your belly is full." I do not make treats a forbidden entity, increasing it's allure. Treats are okay - in moderation. I do not offer them food when they are upset. We talk about feelings. I plan healthy meals, we eat at the table, I encourage them to try new things. And I remember that all kids like junk food. It is natural. I should not panic when they won't eat their fruit but will eat a chocolate bar.
But, I know they watch me. In some ways it is good motivation.
There are so many worries when you are a Mom. This is one that I throw on my heap. But like all of you, I do the best I can, and take comfort in the thought that they will need something to talk about with the therapists in years to come.
The city of St. John's is hosting an awareness session on teaching healthy habits tonight. You need to register is you are interested. http://www.stjohns.ca/csj/EventDetails?id=2966&loc=null&date=30-1-2012
Happy Eating!
Do as I say, not as I do. Why doesn't that work?
I am a stress-eater. When I am tired, I eat. When I am worried, I eat. When I celebrate, I eat. Food is certainly my drug of choice, and I struggle with it daily.
I have been working very hard on this issue. I recognize it, and I try to name it when I know it is about to happen. I am trying to pay more attention to my body and ask myself "Am I hungry, or is there something else going on that is making that cookie so irresistible?" It is an up-hill battle, but I am climbing and lately, more days, I am winning.
However, the pressure I feel around this issue, beyond weight and health, has increased due to my children. I do not want them to emulate me. I want them to have healthy attitudes around food.
At the table I do not say, "Clean your plate." I say "Feel when your belly is full." I do not make treats a forbidden entity, increasing it's allure. Treats are okay - in moderation. I do not offer them food when they are upset. We talk about feelings. I plan healthy meals, we eat at the table, I encourage them to try new things. And I remember that all kids like junk food. It is natural. I should not panic when they won't eat their fruit but will eat a chocolate bar.
But, I know they watch me. In some ways it is good motivation.
There are so many worries when you are a Mom. This is one that I throw on my heap. But like all of you, I do the best I can, and take comfort in the thought that they will need something to talk about with the therapists in years to come.
The city of St. John's is hosting an awareness session on teaching healthy habits tonight. You need to register is you are interested. http://www.stjohns.ca/csj/EventDetails?id=2966&loc=null&date=30-1-2012
Happy Eating!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Manners Please?
Sara Here:
Eating with three little boys sometimes feels like eating with three Tasmanian devils. Usually there is screaming, random jumping from their chairs to run around the kitchen, spilling/throwing food and hysterical laughter as someone lets out a big burp. I sit there sometimes and daze off into a 1950's dreamland where I have mannerly little boys with British accents saying "Yes Mother, please Mother, supper is delightful Mother."
Then I snap back into reality and vow to improve my wild mealtime adventures.
My Dad was British, and a Captain on ships. I am not sure if these things contributed to his rule of law at the dinner table, but it was strict. Please and thank you; knife and fork; you must be excused from the table; no bodily sounds (even while drinking); no scraping your knife along the plate, thank the chef, and the list went on. When I think back on it, it was actually nice. We ate dinner at the table, and because we were aware of the rules, they just came naturally.
I appreciate these things now when I am out to dinner with colleagues or friends. I know how to behave at the table, thanks to my Dad. He believed that "Manners Maketh Man." Not sure what he would think of dinner with my little cavemen.
Don't get me wrong - I have tried. My Dad's rules come naturally to me, and I find myself trying to implement them like crazy. To be fair, my memories of nice meals with my parents are a time when I was older - my kids are 6 and under. They are excited to be home from daycare, and to be with their parents and each other. They are also tired and cranky and hungry. They want to laugh. They have no tolerance. All in all, not the best time for teaching.
So, one of the things I am trying is to teach them manners at different times. On the weekend, I will set a tea party, and implement the rules. They are having fun, and they are more inclined to learn the rules. Then at supper I remind them of the things they learned at this party.
I also ensure that my husband and I are always following the rules ourselves. We never ask each other, or the kids, for anything without a please and thank you. We thank each other for the meal, we don't complain about what is on our plate, and we try everything.
We also reiterate to them that they are big boys, so using a fork and knife, or not burping at the table is what is expected of them. If they need help, or to be excused from the table, that is fine.
We also try to keep them engaged in conversation of some sort. And when they are finished, we let them be excused for the table.
It is important to keep your expectations at a reasonable place depending on the child. And not to give up. They will get it eventually. Or else we will just make them all eat together.
I found a great web article on this subject. Check it out: http://momsonedge.wordpress.com/2007/11/17/14-table-manners-that-your-child-should-know/ and send us any good tips or articles you have. Happy eating!
Eating with three little boys sometimes feels like eating with three Tasmanian devils. Usually there is screaming, random jumping from their chairs to run around the kitchen, spilling/throwing food and hysterical laughter as someone lets out a big burp. I sit there sometimes and daze off into a 1950's dreamland where I have mannerly little boys with British accents saying "Yes Mother, please Mother, supper is delightful Mother."
Then I snap back into reality and vow to improve my wild mealtime adventures.
My Dad was British, and a Captain on ships. I am not sure if these things contributed to his rule of law at the dinner table, but it was strict. Please and thank you; knife and fork; you must be excused from the table; no bodily sounds (even while drinking); no scraping your knife along the plate, thank the chef, and the list went on. When I think back on it, it was actually nice. We ate dinner at the table, and because we were aware of the rules, they just came naturally.
I appreciate these things now when I am out to dinner with colleagues or friends. I know how to behave at the table, thanks to my Dad. He believed that "Manners Maketh Man." Not sure what he would think of dinner with my little cavemen.
Don't get me wrong - I have tried. My Dad's rules come naturally to me, and I find myself trying to implement them like crazy. To be fair, my memories of nice meals with my parents are a time when I was older - my kids are 6 and under. They are excited to be home from daycare, and to be with their parents and each other. They are also tired and cranky and hungry. They want to laugh. They have no tolerance. All in all, not the best time for teaching.
So, one of the things I am trying is to teach them manners at different times. On the weekend, I will set a tea party, and implement the rules. They are having fun, and they are more inclined to learn the rules. Then at supper I remind them of the things they learned at this party.
I also ensure that my husband and I are always following the rules ourselves. We never ask each other, or the kids, for anything without a please and thank you. We thank each other for the meal, we don't complain about what is on our plate, and we try everything.
We also reiterate to them that they are big boys, so using a fork and knife, or not burping at the table is what is expected of them. If they need help, or to be excused from the table, that is fine.
We also try to keep them engaged in conversation of some sort. And when they are finished, we let them be excused for the table.
It is important to keep your expectations at a reasonable place depending on the child. And not to give up. They will get it eventually. Or else we will just make them all eat together.
I found a great web article on this subject. Check it out: http://momsonedge.wordpress.com/2007/11/17/14-table-manners-that-your-child-should-know/ and send us any good tips or articles you have. Happy eating!
Monday, January 16, 2012
Picky Eaters
My name is Sara and I live with a picky eater.
Before I had children, people who were picky eaters were one of my pet peeves. I like all food (a bit too much in some cases) and I have very little understanding of why something so yummy could make others want to hurl. Well, like all things, my predjudice has come home to roost, as I live with a four year old who I would argue is the pickiest eater in the world.
I had a clue we would have issues when I first began to feed him cereal. Of course most babies spit it out and wrinkle their noses at the glop we push on them at six months - but with my guy it was different. It was all-out, full-blown urging and possibly even vomit. I had to routinely change-up the cereal, mix it with fruit and stick the sippy cup in this mouth to help him wash it down. Then came the fruits and veggies, and God forbid, the meat. He would have none of it. And my hair began to get grayer by the second.
He has always been a small guy, just four pounds when he was born. We had no trouble breastfeeding, which I am very grateful about. However, once the food wars began, my stress was increased due to his small size. I would cry at night over how worried I was over his nutrition and weight.
Then I was lucky enough to get some help. Due to a non-related medical issue, my son was able to access resources at the Janeway Children's Hospital. We began to see nutritionists and occupational therapists and they gave me some really valuable tips. So - I want to share some with you:
Before I had children, people who were picky eaters were one of my pet peeves. I like all food (a bit too much in some cases) and I have very little understanding of why something so yummy could make others want to hurl. Well, like all things, my predjudice has come home to roost, as I live with a four year old who I would argue is the pickiest eater in the world.
I had a clue we would have issues when I first began to feed him cereal. Of course most babies spit it out and wrinkle their noses at the glop we push on them at six months - but with my guy it was different. It was all-out, full-blown urging and possibly even vomit. I had to routinely change-up the cereal, mix it with fruit and stick the sippy cup in this mouth to help him wash it down. Then came the fruits and veggies, and God forbid, the meat. He would have none of it. And my hair began to get grayer by the second.
He has always been a small guy, just four pounds when he was born. We had no trouble breastfeeding, which I am very grateful about. However, once the food wars began, my stress was increased due to his small size. I would cry at night over how worried I was over his nutrition and weight.
Then I was lucky enough to get some help. Due to a non-related medical issue, my son was able to access resources at the Janeway Children's Hospital. We began to see nutritionists and occupational therapists and they gave me some really valuable tips. So - I want to share some with you:
- Take stock of what your child eats. Even though their diet may not be varied, it may be quite balanced.
- Subsitute the food you know they like. If they drink milk, up the fat intake by keeping them on whole. Do they like chocolate milk? Try Carnation Instant Breakfast or Ensure at suppertime to add protein fat and nutrients.
- Build on the food you know they like. If they like chocolate milk, try making a smoothie with chocolate milk and banana. Add some pieces of strawberry to their cereal. Mix in some carrot puree to their spagetti sauce. The more familiar they become with a flavor, the more likely they might try it in his true form.
- Have other kids over for meals and let your child watch what they eat. Peer pressure is good in this case.
- Stop asking your child to just "try" something. Instead, ask them to pick it up and smell it. That is all - just smell. Starting small gets them past their anxiety and takes the pressure off them. After smell you can ask them to lick the food, then maybe even take a bite. Work with stickers and prizes for each step they complete. The people at the Janeway taught me this technique and it has worked wonders.
- Put a time limit on meals, and give the child a visual. Let them know time is running out, and their will be no more food after that. Give them boundaries that are clear.
- Let them have one thing on their plate you know they will eat along with soemthing new. Give them some control, as that is what they are seeking anyway. If they eat only the thing they like, it is fine, but they must keep the food that is offered at supper on their plate in front of them as well.
And the most important - STOP STRESSING! Your child sees it, and it affects how they feel about food. My child got to the point where he would cry when I would say "supper time." That was not helping anything. So I stopped fighting with him at the table. I also remembered that some of this was manipulation on his part and I was playing right into his hands. So I calmed down, relaxed and stopped paying so much attention to him at the table. I have noticed that he tries more things when I am not looking. That says something.
As my Grandmother used to say, "No child ever starved where there is food." I know someday he will be a big burly man eating me out of house and home. Until then, I am trying to keep some dark hair on my head.
Friday, January 6, 2012
A Civilized Meal? Am I Dreaming?
Sara here:
As Erika and I prepare to embark on this new regime of meal planning, I am thinking about supper at my house and how crazy it can be. Most days, I am rushing to prepare the food; the kids are happy to be home from daycare and do not want to leave their toys/television shows to come to the table; and my husband (who works from home) is a little overwhelmed with the noise and chaos that has invaded his quiet space. This all leads to a crescendo of stress at the table as I find myself yelling "Stop saying penis! Eat your carrots!"
One trick I have found helps is giving a countdown to mealtime so the kids know they soon have to stop what they are doing. Also, during supper, asking questions around the table calms things down. Our ritual is "good thing, bad thing". Each person has to tell us the best and worst thing that happened in their day. The kids love it, and we find out some pretty interesting stuff! Most times, it allows for some calmer space for us all to eat.
I found a great article that gives some other suggestions for a stress-free mealtime. Have a gander http://fit.webmd.com/jr/parents/article/parents-family-mealtime-stress and share any ideas with us you have for keeping mealtime sane.
Happy eating!
Sara
As Erika and I prepare to embark on this new regime of meal planning, I am thinking about supper at my house and how crazy it can be. Most days, I am rushing to prepare the food; the kids are happy to be home from daycare and do not want to leave their toys/television shows to come to the table; and my husband (who works from home) is a little overwhelmed with the noise and chaos that has invaded his quiet space. This all leads to a crescendo of stress at the table as I find myself yelling "Stop saying penis! Eat your carrots!"
One trick I have found helps is giving a countdown to mealtime so the kids know they soon have to stop what they are doing. Also, during supper, asking questions around the table calms things down. Our ritual is "good thing, bad thing". Each person has to tell us the best and worst thing that happened in their day. The kids love it, and we find out some pretty interesting stuff! Most times, it allows for some calmer space for us all to eat.
I found a great article that gives some other suggestions for a stress-free mealtime. Have a gander http://fit.webmd.com/jr/parents/article/parents-family-mealtime-stress and share any ideas with us you have for keeping mealtime sane.
Happy eating!
Sara
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