We all need to eat everyday and thinking about food and mealtime can sometimes be quite the repetitive slog for parents of preschool aged children. Little kids can be both demanding and picky when it comes to meal time and that might start to feel burdensome for parents. So today on Tasty Tuesday, try something new to bring joy and novelty back to eating. A shared love of food and excitement for eating can bring families together! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Create a “silly food challenge” for you and your children. Give everyone the same “ingredients” to start with like cut up fruit and cheese, nuts, and bite size veggies. Encourage everyone to make their own “recipe” with the same ingredients. For an extra challenge, set a timer and so everyone has to race against the clock.
• Go to the nearest grocery store and encourage everyone to pick out one food they’ve never tried before to bring home. Eat them together and see what you notice- any new textures or flavors?
• Mix it up by asking your children to feed you! Maybe it’s a small snack or breakfast but seeing what they’d like to serve you for a meal could be an interesting way to see how they perceive food and meals.
• Make something to eat that was important to you when you were your child’s age. Maybe it’s an out-of-style snack item, or a long-buried family recipe. Share it with your child and discuss it with them- how is this different from what you typically eat together now? How is it similar?

By Jordan Shafer, LCSW (she/ her)

Jordan was a School School Worker for seven years with San Francisco Unified School District, working with children in grades pre-K- eighth grade as well as families and educators. She is highly skilled in supporting children’s mental health, social development, and their wellbeing as flourishing members of their communities. She recently relocated from California to her home state of Connecticut to raise her growing family.