Family meals allow young children to focus on the task of eating and give you a chance to model good behaviors. It may take a little work to bring everyone together for meals.
Start eating meals together as a family when your kids are young and it will become a habit. Plan when you will eat together as a family. You may not be able to eat together every day but try to have family meals most days of the week. A meal together doesn't have to be the evening meal. Sometimes lunch may work better for your family. Breakfast together can be a fantastic way to start the day – the Super Strawberry Muffins below would be a great addition!
Cook together. Have your child help you get ready to eat. Your child may be able to:
- Rinse fruits and vegetables.
- Add ingredients.
- Help set the table.
- Turn off the TV.
- Clear the table.
- Wipe the table.
Eat together. Make family meals enjoyable.
- Focus on the meal and each other.
- Turn off the television.
- Take phone calls or texts later.
- Try to make meals a stress-free time.
Talk together. Involve children in the conversation. Ask questions like:
- If you could invite anyone to eat with us today, who would it be?
- What made you feel really happy today?
- What's your favorite crunchy food? Why?
- What made you laugh today?
Super Strawberry Muffins
Download Handout Spanish Handout- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1 cup strawberry or plain applesauce (no added sugar)
- 1 egg
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped fresh strawberries, gently rubbed under cold running water
- 1 cup quick-cooking oatmeal
Directions:
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a muffin pan with 12 baking cups or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Break egg into a medium bowl. Wash hands with soap and water after cracking raw egg. Add oil, brown sugar, and applesauce. Mix well.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, if desired. Add liquid ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until moistened.
- Carefully blend in strawberries and oatmeal.
- Divide the mixture into 12 muffin cups. Sprinkle with additional oatmeal if desired.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, until golden brown or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and cool.
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for two to three days or freeze for up to three months.
- Other fresh or frozen fruit could also be used such as blueberries, raspberries, peaches, etc. Tossing the fruit with a little bit of flour before adding to batter can help prevent the fruit from sinking to the bottom of the muffins.
- A sprinkle of old-fashioned oats before baking adds a quick, eye-appealing touch to the muffins. A light dusting of cinnamon and sugar could also be used.
Nutrition Information:
Source:
USDA's MyPlate for Preschoolers
