Mealtime Magic: Encouraging Adventurous Eaters

Deciding what to eat (and what not to) is one of the first acts of independence a child makes because it’s an area where they hold actual control. But every meal should not turn into a battle of wits between parent and child. As a parent, you want your child to eat healthy and create memories, not battle around the dinner table. One way to do this is to empower children with appropriate amounts of freedom when it comes to choosing foods to eat. Not only are you maintaining the peace, you’re also teaching the invaluable lesson of balance in meal planning.

Jessica James, Executive Chef at Applebee’s, has satisfied thousands of children’s palates over the years. As the mother of a young child herself, she knows the tricks of the trade for making mealtime a fun experience in the restaurant and at home:  

·       Empowerment: Kids like to make their own choices – make these choices balanced by offering “fun” foods paired with more nutritious sides.

·       Cook together: The more involved a child is in preparing the meal, the more likely they are to eat it. And, if you allow your kids to help plan the healthy portion of the meal – such as whether to include broccoli versus carrots – they will feel like the previously “un-fun” side was their idea. This will make them much more likely to eat what is on their plate without the usual power struggle.

·       Lead by example: Parents play an important role in how their children eat – make sure you are making healthy choices for yourself as well as your child.

I had a chance to interview Jessica to learn more.