Sunday, March 17, 2013
Monday, March 11, 2013
A picky eater or a toddler that won't eat at all can be frustrating for a parent. You may have read a stack of books or asked fellow parents what they have done, but feeding your child is not a one-size-fits-all process. Here's how to avoid feeding pitfalls and keep your child on track with lifelong healthy eating habits. By: Toby Amidor, MS, RD
Mistake #1: Force Feeding
If you think forcing your toddler to eat a food they don't want is a good idea, think again. You and your little one will end up upset and confused. This tactic will backfire as they will end up disliking both the food and mealtime.
Instead: Don't make a big fuss when the child refuses a food. The less of an issue you make of it now, the less of a fuss you will get the next time. Wait a little bit, and try again with a happy, positive attitude.
Mistake #2: Being a Short-Order Cook
Many parents fall into the trap of being a short-order cook to please a table of picky eaters. Concerns about starving their children, and stunting growth and development in the process drive the urge to cater to their every mealtime whim. But cooking on demand sends the wrong message.
Instead: Plan meals with at least one item you know the child enjoys. Kids are more likely to partake in the meal if they helped plan or prepare it. For example, if your child loves mac and cheese, but dislikes green vegetables, have fun making a dish of broccoli mac and cheese together.
Mistake #3: Insisting on Finishing Their Plates
Parents typically give larger portions than necessary or serve snacks (especially juice) too close to meal time.
Instead: Aim for 1 tablespoon per age of your child for each dish (about 2 or 3 dishes). So a 2-year-old child should receive 2 tablespoons each of carrots, rice, and meatloaf. Also, serve snacks about 1½ to 2 hours before mealtime. Instead of focusing on a clean plate, encourage eating until they're full.Mistake #4: Ignoring Food Preferences
Toddlers have many more taste buds than adults (we lose them as we age). Something that may not be spicy or salty to you may be too much for your child. The same goes for bitter-tasting foods like spinach and broccoli.
Instead: Be considerate when they tell you they don't like a food. Also, go light on big flavors when cooking for children.
Mistake #5: Giving Up Too Soon
Don't assume that if a child rejected a food once, that he or she will never like it again. It takes about 20 times of exposing the child to a food for them to accept it. Do not give up so easily or remove the food from the child's diet.
Instead: Present the food often and allow the toddler to play with it. This includes touching the food and allowing the child to put it in their mouth and spit it out. Over time they will accept it.
Mistake #6: Feeding Inappropriate Snacks
Snacks should contain nourishment needed for proper growth and development. Serving cookies and candy bars regularly will get them used to eating high-fat and high-calorie foods.
Instead: Plan balanced snacks that include fruit, veggies, protein, whole grains, or dairy products.
See More: Homemade Baby Food Purees
Mistake #7: Using Food as a Reward
This technique typically rewards the kids by using high-fat, sugary foods. It may seem like the easy way out now, but it's sending the tot down the wrong path of not-so-healthy eating habits. Also, using sweets as a reward gives the child the idea that sweet food is desirable, where as other healthier food is not.
Instead: Reward your child for good behavior (not for eating their veggies) with non-food items like a trip to the park, a bubble bath, or extra play time.
Mistake #8: Not Regulating Sugary Fluids
It is recommended that toddlers drink a maximum of a ½ cup of 100% juice per day. Any more than that only adds sugar and may result in your child not being hungry for his or her scheduled meals.
Instead: Get them used to water early on. Or consider mixing ½ water ½ juice instead of all juice to space it out.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Food Preferences
Toddlers have many more taste buds than adults (we lose them as we age). Something that may not be spicy or salty to you may be too much for your child. The same goes for bitter-tasting foods like spinach and broccoli.
Instead: Be considerate when they tell you they don't like a food. Also, go light on big flavors when cooking for children.
Mistake #5: Giving Up Too Soon
Don't assume that if a child rejected a food once, that he or she will never like it again. It takes about 20 times of exposing the child to a food for them to accept it. Do not give up so easily or remove the food from the child's diet.
Instead: Present the food often and allow the toddler to play with it. This includes touching the food and allowing the child to put it in their mouth and spit it out. Over time they will accept it.
Mistake #6: Feeding Inappropriate Snacks
Snacks should contain nourishment needed for proper growth and development. Serving cookies and candy bars regularly will get them used to eating high-fat and high-calorie foods.
Instead: Plan balanced snacks that include fruit, veggies, protein, whole grains, or dairy products.
See More: Homemade Baby Food Purees
Mistake #7: Using Food as a Reward
This technique typically rewards the kids by using high-fat, sugary foods. It may seem like the easy way out now, but it's sending the tot down the wrong path of not-so-healthy eating habits. Also, using sweets as a reward gives the child the idea that sweet food is desirable, where as other healthier food is not.
Instead: Reward your child for good behavior (not for eating their veggies) with non-food items like a trip to the park, a bubble bath, or extra play time.
Mistake #8: Not Regulating Sugary Fluids
It is recommended that toddlers drink a maximum of a ½ cup of 100% juice per day. Any more than that only adds sugar and may result in your child not being hungry for his or her scheduled meals.
Instead: Get them used to water early on. Or consider mixing ½ water ½ juice instead of all juice to space it out.
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Homemade Baby Food Storage
Recipes for Young Toddlers: 18-24 Months
12 Hands-On Recipes for Toddlers
Superfast Kid-Friendly Recipes
Monday, September 24, 2012
parenting http://www.eyresfreebooks.com/
disney if you write a letter to a character at disney (walt disney world communications p.o. box 10040 lake buena vista, fl 32830-0040), they will send you an autographed photo back! Could be a fun project for teaching how to write a letter! gonna do this with my kids :)
1. Google any silhouette 2. Print on colored paper 3. Cut them out 4. Place in frame
http://lifeasmom.com/2011/09/creating-emergency-bags-for-your-children.html
Cream of "something" soup recipe
1 cup non-fat dried milk
3/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup bouillon (if you have cubes you have to smash them up)
You can use whatever kind you like (ie, beef, veggie)
4 Tablespoons freeze dried minced onions (I used the minced onions from Sam's Club)
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried thyme (I couldn't find the thyme so I used dried parsley instead)
1 teaspoon pepper
(For the equivalent of one can of condensed cream soup, mix 1/3 cup dry mix with 1 1/4 cup water. Cook until thick)
Party Chicken... Boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins wrapped in bacon and then top with a mixture of cream of chicken soup and a cup of sour cream. Cover with foil and bake at 225 for about 4 hours. Then remove foil and bake at 350 for 15 minutes. This is great for Sunday dinner...just put it in before church and it's ready by noon! The chicken is so tender and tasty...you can cut it with a fork!
Fill jar half way up with white glue (like Elmers)
Then fill jar up with water.
Shake Well.
This is a 50-50 mixture glue/water.
It will have a Matte finish.
If you would like a Glossy finish, add 1 TBS of clear varnish.
Shake it!
the jar store
disney if you write a letter to a character at disney (walt disney world communications p.o. box 10040 lake buena vista, fl 32830-0040), they will send you an autographed photo back! Could be a fun project for teaching how to write a letter! gonna do this with my kids :)
1. Google any silhouette 2. Print on colored paper 3. Cut them out 4. Place in frame
http://lifeasmom.com/2011/09/creating-emergency-bags-for-your-children.html
Cream of "something" soup recipe
1 cup non-fat dried milk
3/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup bouillon (if you have cubes you have to smash them up)
You can use whatever kind you like (ie, beef, veggie)
4 Tablespoons freeze dried minced onions (I used the minced onions from Sam's Club)
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried thyme (I couldn't find the thyme so I used dried parsley instead)
1 teaspoon pepper
(For the equivalent of one can of condensed cream soup, mix 1/3 cup dry mix with 1 1/4 cup water. Cook until thick)
Party Chicken... Boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins wrapped in bacon and then top with a mixture of cream of chicken soup and a cup of sour cream. Cover with foil and bake at 225 for about 4 hours. Then remove foil and bake at 350 for 15 minutes. This is great for Sunday dinner...just put it in before church and it's ready by noon! The chicken is so tender and tasty...you can cut it with a fork!
Mod Podge in a Pint Jar (matte)
Then fill jar up with water.
Shake Well.
This is a 50-50 mixture glue/water.
It will have a Matte finish.
If you would like a Glossy finish, add 1 TBS of clear varnish.
Shake it!
the jar store
quiet book ideas jocelynandjason.blogspot.com
organize pans You can remove one pan without having to remove them all. Turn a vertical bakeware organizer on its end vertically and secure it to the cabinet wall with cable clips. Genius.
bathroom Floor-to-ceiling double shower curtains...make a small bathroom feel more luxurious.
decorating Take popsicle sticks and paint them the color of every wall in your house. Carry with you on the go to match furniture, curtains, decorations, etc. I've seen the full paint stirrer version of this but love this portable-sized idea!!
girls room paint HGTV says if you mix a gallon of glue with glitter, then paint with it. The glue will dry clear - glitter wall
spice storage Space saver: Use a mop holder to store spices on the inside of a cabinet door. great idea! Baby food jars with lids 'chalkboard' painted in drawers. Brilliant.
furniture check out ikea hackers
halloween for kids add a tutu to any boys hero costume and it become girly. lion,tier,bear,oh my... dinosaur hoodie. caroline http://www.facilysencillo.es/2012/02/diy-disfraces-preciosos-de-tul-para.html (tutu)
play pen add balls
read danna gresh's books
fun idea for boys balloon ninjas to fight (or shoot w/nerf guns)
clothes express trousers and mens button down shirts
backyard tent 3 twin sheets & hula-hoop & rope - great backyard or camping play area.
fort Fort Kit for birthday present, includes sheets, rope, clamps, flashlight and glow sticks. Such a great idea!
christmas stockings Curtain rod as a stocking holder.
Holiday Stove Top Potpourri Mix
one whole orange or just the orange peel
1/2 cup cranberries
1 Tbsp. whole cloves
3 sticks of cinnamon or a small handful of small pieces of cinnamon
a bit of grated nutmeg if desired
tortillas Tortilla Mix16 C. flour (use unbleached or add up to 1/2 whole wheat)
2 Tbsp. baking powder
2 Tbsp. salt (you can use a little less, but some salt really does make a difference in the flavor)
1/2 C-1C. shortening (I like about 3/4 C. of palm shortening (no trans fat!)) http://heart-hands-home.blogspot.com/search/label/Mix%20recipes
burning face mask
Recipe:1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp honey
2ish tsp lemon juice. (I used the juice from 1/4 of a lemon)
Directions:
Mix together into a thick paste. Apply on your face for half an hour... or ten minutes if you can't handle the burn! It'll only burn for the first five minutes or so and then it sort of wears off. Rinse the mask off with warm water and moisturize. NOTE: If you have sensitive skin leave out or dilute the lemon. I'm serious. I call it the burning mask for a reason! This is a mask and not to be used to exfoliate your skin. It'll hurt. Promise. Don't do it! If you leave out the lemon just use enough honey to make it paste-y. I used the creamy honey so I had to nuke it in the microwave for a few seconds to get the right consistency. You're just going for a paste though, so don't worry if the measurements are all off.
church kit Put velcro dots on the ends of popsicle sticks. Kids can make letters or shapes over and over again. via Tot Treasures
homemade jewelery Salt Dough - 2 cups flour, 1 cup salt, cold water. Mix until has consistency of play dough. bake at 250 for 2 hours, then cool and paint.
centerpiece stock and lemons
great gift for Chad (1) Buy plates from Dollar Store, (2) Write things with a Porcelain 150 Pen, (3) baked for 30 mins in the oven and it's permanent.
kitchen for kids Play groceries from wooden blocks with packaging mod podged on.
colouringdisney.blogspot.com
thanksgiving felt cornicopia and veggies
organize pans You can remove one pan without having to remove them all. Turn a vertical bakeware organizer on its end vertically and secure it to the cabinet wall with cable clips. Genius.
bathroom Floor-to-ceiling double shower curtains...make a small bathroom feel more luxurious.
decorating Take popsicle sticks and paint them the color of every wall in your house. Carry with you on the go to match furniture, curtains, decorations, etc. I've seen the full paint stirrer version of this but love this portable-sized idea!!
girls room paint HGTV says if you mix a gallon of glue with glitter, then paint with it. The glue will dry clear - glitter wall
spice storage Space saver: Use a mop holder to store spices on the inside of a cabinet door. great idea! Baby food jars with lids 'chalkboard' painted in drawers. Brilliant.
furniture check out ikea hackers
halloween for kids add a tutu to any boys hero costume and it become girly. lion,tier,bear,oh my... dinosaur hoodie. caroline http://www.facilysencillo.es/2012/02/diy-disfraces-preciosos-de-tul-para.html (tutu)
play pen add balls
read danna gresh's books
fun idea for boys balloon ninjas to fight (or shoot w/nerf guns)
clothes express trousers and mens button down shirts
backyard tent 3 twin sheets & hula-hoop & rope - great backyard or camping play area.
fort Fort Kit for birthday present, includes sheets, rope, clamps, flashlight and glow sticks. Such a great idea!
christmas stockings Curtain rod as a stocking holder.
Holiday Stove Top Potpourri Mix
one whole orange or just the orange peel
1/2 cup cranberries
1 Tbsp. whole cloves
3 sticks of cinnamon or a small handful of small pieces of cinnamon
a bit of grated nutmeg if desired
tortillas Tortilla Mix16 C. flour (use unbleached or add up to 1/2 whole wheat)
2 Tbsp. baking powder
2 Tbsp. salt (you can use a little less, but some salt really does make a difference in the flavor)
1/2 C-1C. shortening (I like about 3/4 C. of palm shortening (no trans fat!)) http://heart-hands-home.blogspot.com/search/label/Mix%20recipes
burning face mask
Recipe:1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp honey
2ish tsp lemon juice. (I used the juice from 1/4 of a lemon)
Directions:
Mix together into a thick paste. Apply on your face for half an hour... or ten minutes if you can't handle the burn! It'll only burn for the first five minutes or so and then it sort of wears off. Rinse the mask off with warm water and moisturize. NOTE: If you have sensitive skin leave out or dilute the lemon. I'm serious. I call it the burning mask for a reason! This is a mask and not to be used to exfoliate your skin. It'll hurt. Promise. Don't do it! If you leave out the lemon just use enough honey to make it paste-y. I used the creamy honey so I had to nuke it in the microwave for a few seconds to get the right consistency. You're just going for a paste though, so don't worry if the measurements are all off.
church kit Put velcro dots on the ends of popsicle sticks. Kids can make letters or shapes over and over again. via Tot Treasures
homemade jewelery Salt Dough - 2 cups flour, 1 cup salt, cold water. Mix until has consistency of play dough. bake at 250 for 2 hours, then cool and paint.
centerpiece stock and lemons
great gift for Chad (1) Buy plates from Dollar Store, (2) Write things with a Porcelain 150 Pen, (3) baked for 30 mins in the oven and it's permanent.
kitchen for kids Play groceries from wooden blocks with packaging mod podged on.
colouringdisney.blogspot.com
thanksgiving felt cornicopia and veggies
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