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Trying New Foods... How Do You Get 'Em to Try 'Em?

by Amy Mumper

April 26, 2009

 

A proud parent moment...my oldest son goes out to eat with Grandma and Grandma alone.  (Highly unusual for this poor middle kid to get one on one time from anyone, but anyway...) He orders a cheeseburger.  Predictable.  He orders broccoli for the side.  Unpredictable.  He actually says out loud that he'd like seconds on the broccoli.  Borderline unbelievable.  Right?  I guess that means than when he's been asking me for broccoli at home he actually does know what it is (note to self:  buy - and serve - broccoli.)  Wow!  That seems equivalent to a college graduate, doesn't it?  I'm always looking for feedback...

But, seriously, how do you get kids to try new things?  I honestly don't know.   I was the world's pickiest eater as a kid.   But, I think my husband knows.  Thank God he cooks because I sure don't.  And, I think it's how he does it that interests the kids and makes them risk takers when it comes to food.  Ask anyone.  My kids will eat.  And eat.  And eat.  Anything.

We've gotten cookbooks with the characters they like and actually followed through on the doing the  recipes with them.  Have the kids help in any way you can and EXPECT TO GET MESSY!  Have vegetables "hide" in the burritos and casseroles.  Being with you is the selling point of the food, I'm pretty sure.  My daughter eats olives and mushrooms like nobody's business.  I think it's because she's bonded with Daddy over the cooking of said olives and mushrooms.  My only input to the cooking process is don't give in and make a different meal for the kids.  I always say, "You don't have to eat it, but you'll be hungry." 

If that doesn't work, just go with the ever-popular daddy idea - bribing with dessert!

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Considering Buying Organic Food? Start Here...

by Amy Mumper

April 13, 2009

 

First of all, I'd say that eating healthy and all that it entails is an investment.; like fees for sports, mommy and me classes and the like.  You're doing these things to reach a particular goal.  If you're going to start with organics I think you're best to consider it an investment.  So sticker shock is not your first reaction.  Just imagine the savings when you're not buying all that mass produced carby-sugary stuff. 

Now, I'm no expert.  I'm not even much of a cook.  But, recently I've tried to take our family in a new direction:  I'm starting with healthier snacks.  Biggs has organic produce on sale 5 for $10 and I didn't feel so bad about investing with that deal.  We bought celery, strawberries, broccoli and cauliflower (the produce offered with the deal does vary).  Another thing you need to know about me and my kids:  we LOVE sweets!!!  I try to be a good example (I really do!) but I think they inherited the "sweets" gene.  BUT, surprisingly, when I offered a carb and a fruit/veggie for snack, they totally went for it!  They ate so much cantaloupe and strawberries it made my head spin!  For carbs, I offered peanut butter on wheat bread or flipsides, or one granola bar.  If they wanted more, I'd offer more fruits and veggies or another food group (Stonyfield Farm yogurt smoothies or cheese).  With these new "rules", we've done a lot of talking about different food groups, variety and balance in your diet.  Another great place for cheap produce is Country Fresh Market on Springfield Pike in Hartwell.  It's a bit out of the way, but if you have any reason to already be over there, check it out!

I know that organic milk is a plus.  I worry about the hormones in regular milk (which my kids used to love on a  4x daily basis!)  Each of my kids are in the high percentiles for weight and height.  My husband and I are not.  So, maybe I'd feel better if I had started with organic milk.  I didn't and I'll always wonder about organic milk.

I guess the next step is using organic meats for meals - advice anyone?  You're one step ahead of me!

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Hometown Math

by Amy Mumper

February 11, 2009

 

Tuesdays are List Days!!

Apparently, I'm just a little wordy, because I can't just give you my list.  First, I have to say thank you to each of you for visiting yesterday!  (Haven't seen it?  Stop by now, post a comment and enter to win!)

And, in keeping with our theme this month of investigating pre-math skills, you simply must visit my colleague Jenn at Being Savvy Pittsburgh.  She is doing a giveaway for the High Five magazine (Highlights for little ones!). My 4 year old boy LOVES it! When you're done reading the list below, visit Jenn and enter to win! 

Now, my two cents on math:  I'd like you to expand your idea of math beyond just counting.  Think about other facets of math as well.  Things like patterns, shapes, spatial relationships.  And, another fyi - it's all about dialogue.  You can count until the cows come home.  But, to really make an impact, you have to dialogue about the math you see everyday.  Check out some hometown sites worth that will support your quest to bring more math into your lives. 

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More of Our Favorite Activities and Things to Do in cincinnati

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Creatures & Critters:
Our Urban Jungle

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Do, Re, Mi! Places to Hear, Sing & Play a Tune

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Artistic Endeavors:
Our Favorite Art Venues

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Room to Run:
Run, Jump & Wiggle Outdoors

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Rainy & Quiet Days:
Cozy & Crazy Indoor Fun

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A Sense of History:
Our City's Stories

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The Most Fun in Life Is Free!

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The Best of... Our Top Can't-Live-Without Spots

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