Getting Your Kids to Eat

I never thought I would have fussy eaters. I eat just about anything that is healthy (with the exception of the sweet tooth indulgence). My oldest would eat Indian food at 6 months, tofu- not a problem, any vegetable, bring it on. Then she turned three.... and the trouble began. Suddenly everything is a battle. She eats only on occasion, and basically eats pancakes and an occasional veggie dog. I keep thinking it's a stage, but it's been about 6 months now so I started sneaking healthy things into the few things she will eat. Silken soft Tofu is always blended into our smoothies, chopped up fine into Kraft Mac and Cheese (which I swore I would never feed my kids- but they need to eat, right?) I even throw peas into the Mac and Cheese which my husband finds downright dishonest (he is a VERY fussy eater so he sympathizes with the kids). I found this great article that justifies my madness. Nutrition is important for growing kids, so here are additional suggestions for getting them to eat healthy. Keep in mind, they pick up quickly on how their parents eat, so setting an example is number one.

Food Sites for Kids

New moms frequently ask for suggestions on what to feed their baby. I found this great site with vegetarian recipes for babies. I am not suggesting that everyone feed their kids a vegetarian diet. I just shudder to think that the majority of meat served to kids is so processed, they are better doing without. Check it our for some new ideas for mealtime. If anyone has any additional websites they can recommend, please post them in the comment section. Thanks. Check out the website at the bottom of the advertising called TryVeg. It's a great introduction to a vegetarian lifestyle.

And This is Why I Stay Home...

I have to be honest, there are many days when I question my choice to stay home with my kids, but today was a day that reminds me of how wonderful it is to spend so much time with my little ones. Squirrel Nut Pie, sitting watching the squirrels pig out on the nuts, Playground in great weather, an afternoon listening to NPR and cooking a birthday cake for a friend.

Could I have done all of this if I was working full time?

What Shall We Do Today?

I finally ran into this question last week. It seemed like while I was working I always had so many ideas to entertain the kids, that I would never run out. Well, I ran out last week on a rainy day. I was panicked to think it was time to spend the day in front of the T.V., then I remembered a book my sister gave to me a few years ago. It's called Great Explorations by Amy Nolan from the Children's Museum of Boston. In the book there is a great recipe for homemade playdough that is as great as the store bought stuff. Here's the recipe:

1.5 cups flour
3/4 cup salt
1 TBSP cream of tartar
3 TBSP vegetable oil
1.5 cups water
food coloring (optional)

Mix the dry ingredients. In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients.
Stir.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Stir.
Cook the ingredients on the stove over low heat stirring constantly until
the texture is like commercial playdough.
Store in a air tight container.

I don't believe you can purchase this book anywhere other than through the Children's Museum of Boston, so here is another possible book that come highly recommended from some friends. It's called the Toddler Busy Book. It looks to be very similar.

I Can Read

Every Tuesday morning at 10:00 the kids and I go to the Clifton Library for Story Time. The children's librarian is rather energetic and a great singer, so it is always worth the walk - rain or shine. Today we were pleasantly surprised by a guest speaker. A local author Annie Ruth came to share her new book I Can Read. Not only did she read, but she danced, sang and got everyone involved. It was a very dynamic hour that even kept the attention of my 16 month child. Annie Ruth passed out free copies of her book which she took the time to sign at the end of the hour. If you have a chance to see her again, it is worth the time. She will be at the Cincinnati public library through the month.

Nov 2- Westwood 10:30, Roselawn 4:00
Nov 3- Avondale 3:30
Nov 7- Sharonville 10:30
Nov 8- Northside 3:00
Nov 9- Bond Hill 9:30, Walnut Hills 3:30
Nov 10- Blue Ash 7:00pm

Click here for more info on Annie Ruth