
A garden is a great place to teach kids valuable lessons while spending enjoyable time together. Gardening can be more entertaining than any video game. Kids get a kick out of playing in the dirt, planting seeds and watching them grow. There is no better way to get kids to eat veggies than to grow their own.
- Let them choose. While at a nursery or garden center, ask your children to pick out a few seeds or plants they want to grow. If they're involved from the very beginning, they're more likely to remain interested throughout the growing season.
- Continue in the kitchen. Invite your children to help you make dinner by adding cut-up garden produce to a salad or soup, and let them snack on a few as you cook. Don't be surprised if they learn to love veggies.
- Put kids in charge. Ask your child to create and name new vegetable or fruit creations. Let them arrange raw veggies or fruits into a fun shape or design.

Bugs on a Log
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients:
- 2 celery, cucumber or carrot sticks, washed
- 1 Tablespoon peanut butter or cream cheese
- 1 Tablespoon dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, etc.)
- 1 pretzel stick
Directions:
- Wash hands with soap and water. Spread peanut butter or cream cheese on vegetable sticks.
- Top with dried fruit and pretzel stick to create your bug!
Nutrition Information:
- Calories 119
- Total Fat 8.2g
- Saturated Fat 1.6g
- Cholesterol 0mg
- Sodium 82mg
- Total Carbohydrates 9.3g
- Fiber 1.6g
- Total Sugars 6.08g
- Protein 4.4g
Source:
- Kid-Friendly Veggies and Fruits, MyPlate.gov - United States Department of Agriculture
- Food Safety for Preschoolers, MyPlate.gov - United States Department Agriculture
This newsletter has been peer-reviewed.
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Our goal is to help parents and caregivers prepare healthy meals and snacks by sharing recipes, tips and ideas that are geared for children ages 2 to 5.