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I know meal times can be a real PITA... but I've got a few fabbo ideas to help make it run more smoothly, which I thought I'd share with everyone.
DIY Pizzas!
These fun babies are easy to make, and if your kids are a little older than
toddlers, it works really well - the kids just hoover them up in no time!
Start with Lebanese bread, or Pita Bread.
A bit of pizza or pasta sauce on top.
Get out different ingredients - vegies, meat, cheese. Chop up & put on a big plate.
Kids come & build (or pick out) the things they want on their very own pizza.
Sprinkle with a bit of cheese.
10-15 minutes in the oven - and they have made their OWN pizza!
Now, when it's DIY pizza night, the kids let me know in advance what particular toppings they want on their own special creation.
It's easy, healthier than takeaway pizza, and they will gobble up every bit!
Menu Planning!
Always a headache whether you're cooking for one kid or six. All those different tastes to cater for - fussy eaters, vegetarians (like me!)...
When I'm planning the groceries (and hence the menu plan) for the week, I ask each member of the family what special meal they'd like that particular week (and trust me, DIY pizzas is ALWAYS on the menu LOL)...
It helps me sort out what I do need to get, and everyone knows in advance what we're having. And as for grumbles of "I don't like that" - well... "It's your brother's special meal - we had your special one last night & ate all of it up! I'm sure you can do the same for your brother"...
One off Option!
This is a nice one, that again fits in with different tastes, and helps kids become accustomed to figuring out their likes & dislikes, and also teaches them that it's ok to have a preference and a dislike (and that we RESPECT differences!)... They are allowed to "skip" or choose not to have one particular vegetable, from their dinner. (We usually have 5 or 6 vegies or 2-3 vegies & salad to choose from, so I know they're getting the nutrition they need!)... it also comes with a promise that they can't grumble about the rest of their dinner - so they leave off their most despised vegie!
Chef for a Day!
This is a great way to introduce cooking to older kids (mine are 14 & 10)...
One night a week, each kid is responsible for preparing, cooking & serving a meal for the family.
It is their responsibility to have a grocery list prepared at LEAST a day in advance, and they are to take into account certain food specifics (is mum's a vego! LOL)... and get it to me so I can get their ingredients. The kids really enjoy their special night, and now try to outdo each other with their culinary prowess LOL... A bit of guidance from Mum & Dad, and your kids will learn to appreciate meal times, and the hard work we do each day!
Enjoy, and Bon Appetit!
(November 2006) (
