Mealtime can often be a struggle for parents with picky eaters or children who simply don’t want to sit still at the table. But making mealtime fun and interactive can encourage kids to try new foods and create positive associations with mealtimes.
Here are some tips and tricks to make mealtime more enjoyable for kids.
Involve Kids in Meal Planning and Preparation
Ask your child for their input when it comes to meal planning. Let them choose a new vegetable or fruit to try, or ask for their opinion on what to make for dinner. You can also involve them in meal preparation, such as washing vegetables or stirring a pot. This makes them feel invested in the meal and more likely to enjoy it.
Use Fun Plates, Mats and Utensils
Brightly colored plates or fun-shaped utensils can make mealtime more exciting and appealing. You can also try using animal-shaped mats, such as butterflies and snakes , to add an extra element of fun.
Create Fun Food Arrangements
Turn mealtime into a game by arranging food in fun shapes or designs. For example, you can make a face out of fruit slices, or create a fun animal shape out of veggies. This can make mealtime more interactive and engaging.
Play Food Games
Incorporate games into mealtime to make it more fun. For example, you can play “I Spy” with different foods on the plate or have a race to see who can finish their veggies first.
Great News! All of these can be easily achieved with Nibblenums’ Loose Play Mats!
Making mealtime more interactive, enjoyable and engaging for children, creating positive associations with mealtimes. From involving kids in meal planning and preparation to playing food games, there are endless ways to make mealtime more enjoyable.
