Raising a Non-Picky ChildI was an extremely picky kid, I admit. I didn't think I liked anything - no vegetables or any strange or new food. I was pretty much meat and potatoes, and sweets, of course. My parents would demand that I eat; forcing me, threatening, even hitting, and withholding desserts if I didn't "clean my plate."
Hope ChestI started a hope chest for each of my sons when they were twelve. Now if they don't marry immediately upon leaving home,they will have a lot of things they will need for their home.
Saving on Snacks for KidsFruit in season makes a great snack. If you cut oranges into "smiles" and place three in a (used, clean) snack bag it is a great treat for a 4 year old.
Bake Bread With Your GrandchildrenAs a grandparent, I want to teach my grandchildren the simple techniques of cooking. My husband has been on 2 mission trips with our church to Iceland. I have baked sour dough bread and sold it to defray the costs of the trip each year.
Eating Out On a BudgetWhen the kids were below age 12, I looked for restaurants that had kids eat free signs. I tried different restaurants in the area. It was a fun way to get out of the kitchen and not have to fix a meal after a long day of work and still provide for my family.
Add Dollar Store Toys In Cereal BoxesMy kids want the expensive cereal because of the prizes in the box. I sneak a prize in from the Dollar store, one for each child so there is no arguing.
Kids' Individual Packs for SnackI recently was given a bag filled with the plastic baby food containers. The containers are the type that have a clear plastic snap on lid and are typically sold in a twin pack.
Homemade PedialyteWith flu season upon us here is a cheap recipe to use for kids. Mix one quart of water, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Add a bit of unsweetened Kool Aid, and you have homemade Pedialyte without the expense.
Trail MixThis is great for a quick snack for the kids.They like it a lot and keeps them satisfied until dinner.
Use Coffee Filter to Hold SnacksCoffee filters are much cheaper than paper cups or bowls, and they're environmentally friendly. They can be used for small snacks like dry cereal, goldfish crackers, and pretzels.
Use A Pizza Cutter To Cut FoodMy husband had a stroke. It was hard for him to cut up his food, so I started using a pizza cutter to cut his food into easy to handle small pieces. I also use it for my young grandchildren that are not sure how to use a fork yet.
Binder of Favorite Recipes for ChildrenMy three daughters were always asking me to share some of my favorite recipes, so I surprised them one Christmas by printing some of my favorites on acid-free paper, and putting them in small 3-ring binders that contained plastic sheet protectors.
Making Your Own Baby FoodMy husband and I had our first child while he was (and is) still in school. We chose to make our own baby food. This was no small task, given that I work full time and he goes to school full time. But it was worth it!
Leftover CafeNeed a fun way to get your family to eat leftovers? We have a "Leftover Cafe" night once a week. We decorate the table with fake flowers and candles, and play some music in the background.
Keep After School Snacks in the CarKeep snacks in the car. Fill a sandwich bag with pretzels, crackers, cheerios, etc. Keep bottled water also. If you pick up your kids, as I do, they are hungry when they get in the car. This snack gets them to dinner and makes for a more pleasant ride home.
Moody Children Need BreakfastIf your child wakes up and is moody, and you just cannot put your finger on what the problem is, get him or her something to eat; like eggs and toast, with a glass of milk, or a good bowl of oatmeal.
How To Teach Your Children To CookI am helping my young granddaughter-in-law learn how to cook. I know she will come over one of her days off and I think ahead to what she might enjoy eating that would be good for her.
Use Kids Cookbook to Teach Cooking and IndependenceI have been having a hard time in the kitchen with my teenage son. I bought a children's recipe book at a thrift store to help my teenager learn to cook for himself. The recipes are simple.
Use Small Bow Tie Pasta for Picky EatersChildren are greatly affected by "shapes" of their food. The smaller bow tie pasta is great way to encourage them to eat. Get creative and serve food in different sizes and shapes for those picky eaters!
Have a Snack BasketI keep one of those little plastic baskets used for organizing in a cupboard that my kids can reach. This basket is filled with snacks that I feel they can eat without me knowing or are healthy alternatives to treats. We call it our snack basket.
Bologna SnakeTo add a touch of fun to the traditional bologna sandwich, I showed my boys how to make bologna snakes. A table knife is sharp enough for the task, yet safe for kids to use.
Encourage Your Kids With Their Own CookbooksI have 2 boys ages 5 and 8 who like to work in the kitchen. I have found that if you let them select recipes, they are more apt to try new things.
Cook With Your ChildI am suggesting to allow the child in on the making of their OWN left-overs-in the muffin tins, and with some on toast squares, some with rice mixtures, some with noodles, some with potato "nests", and a few with potatoes/layered veggies.
Getting the Kids Involved with the Food BudgetOur children used to love having a certain brand of cookie or snack, but unfortunately they were also the most expensive. I wanted to teach them about a budget without making them feel as if they were missing out on something so we invented "Family coupon night".
