Happy Eating at Home–WITH Your Kids (Yes, It’s Possible!)
Happy Thursday! You made it! 🎉
Let’s be real–food is complicated for many of us. We’re out here trying to feed our kids in a way that doesn’t pass along our own food baggage while also just trying to get through a meal without someone gagging at a vegetable or demanding a third plate of mac & cheese and dino nuggets. It’s a lot.
I spend a ton of time helping parents and kids navigate their relationships with food–eating enough but not too much, making healthy choices (without being that parent), dealing with picky and rigid eating, navigating mealtimes, eating out, and, of course, handling the oh-so-helpful comments from relatives about what our kids should or shouldn’t eat. (Thanks, Aunt Susan. SUPER helpful.🙄)
I have a LOT to say about this topic, but in the interest of keeping this newsletter short enough for actual parents to read, here are a few of my favorite Guidelines for Happy Eating at Home with Kids:
1. Eat together as often as possible.
Kids learn how to eat, what to eat, and how to act at the table by watching us.. So, sit down and eat together when you can. No, it won’t always be peaceful. No, it won’t always be fun. Yes, it’s still worth it.
2. One family. One meal.
Unless there’s a legit reason (allergies, medical restrictions), everyone eats the same basic meal. They can have more or less of something or say “no, thank you” to something, but once you start cooking to order, it’s so hard to stop. Save yourself.
3. If they can work an iPad, they can clean up.
Even toddlers can carry their plates to the sink. Bigger kids? They can rinse. Teens? They can wash a pot.. The goal: YOU are not the only one cleaning up after dinner.
4. You control what food comes into your home.
If you don’t want your kid eating something 24/7, don’t buy it. (Yes, this means you may have to get your fix elsewhere–solidarity.)
5. If a food is causing chaos, believe them.
If they’re sneaking it, inhaling it, or obsessing it, take a break from having it around. Later, bring it back with a plan–how much, when, and where. No guilt, just learning.
Results may vary.
One More Real-World Strategy:
If mealtimes feel like a hot mess, try this: BEFORE YOUR NEXT MEAL, Sit down with your kids and agree on 3-4 simple expectations. Think:
✅ Come to the table when called.
✅ Stay seated the whole time.
✅ Ask to be excused.
✅ Clear your plate when you’re done.
Then check in before and after meals to see how it’s going. (Bonus: It makes them feel like they have some control–sneaky parenting win!)
Resource of the Week: Grow Your Own Snacks!
Want to know how my kids learned to try a few new foods? We grew them! 🌱🥕 It doesn’t have to be complicated–start with just one small fruit or veggie plant. Check out:
🌿Planting a Kid-Friendly Garden
🌱 Or grab this kit to get started!. Or,.
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You’ve got this.
Cari
