For most of us, a flair for healthy living happened in adulthood…but that doesn’t mean your kids can’t get amped up from the get-go! Cultivating your children’s interest in nutritious food means that they are more likely to take those habits along with them for the rest of their lives. The secret? Make food fun.
The Honest Company enlisted Patricia Wong of Farm To Table Baby Mama to dish on her best advice for healthy moms who want to get their kids on board with health. Watch the video above, then take a peek at Patricia’s seven tips for making the kitchen your family’s happy place…
Ever since my kids were born, they’ve been with me in the kitchen. I’ve gotten so used to having a baby on my hip, I feel like I’ve mastered the art of one-handed cooking. Lots of times this can be overwhelming; toddlers are like little tornadoes, so there’s not much time for nuanced cooking. But, if you go in prepared, leave your perfectionist tendencies at the door, and roll with the punches, it’s absolutely one of the most rewarding experiences you can have with your family.
4 Kid-Friendly Kitchen Tips
Turn The Zen Up
Start from a place of zen. I can’t emphasize this enough. If you start out stressed, you’re in for a rough time. But, if you go in accepting that things will be unpredictable, and take a nice deep breath, little mishaps won’t faze you.
Make Space For Play
Dedicate some kitchen space to a play area. A play area in the kitchen gets the kids right up close to the action, and helps them get used to the sights, sounds and smells of the cooking process.
Kid-Proof Your Cabinets
Fill bottom cabinets with safe items. Kids always find their way into the cabinets. I put lightweight, inexpensive pots and pans on the bottom shelves.
Get Them In On The Action
Get kids involved in the cooking process. Yes, it can be messy and chaotic, but it opens them up to new flavors. When the kids help make something, they’re excited to taste it, even if it’s a brand new food. Plus, it allows them to be creative and gain a greater understanding of where food comes from.
To learn all seven kid-friendly kitchen tips, visit our friends over at The Honest Co by clicking through here!
