Meal planning can be a daunting task for parents, especially if you’re trying to feed your family healthy and delicious meals. But it doesn’t have to be that way! By including your kids in meal planning, you can make it an enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Not only will this give them a sense of ownership over what they eat, but it’ll also help teach them important skills like budgeting and nutrition.
Plus, the more involved they are in the process, the more likely they are to try new foods and develop life-long healthy eating habits. Here’s how to get started on involving your children in meal planning today!
First, make sure to set aside some time for meal planning. This can be weekly or monthly, depending on your family’s needs and schedule. During this time, sit down with your child and discuss their likes and dislikes when it comes to meals. Ask them what foods they enjoy eating most and which ones they don’t like very much.
Next, involve them in the shopping process! Take them grocery shopping with you or let them pick out ingredients from a list that you create ahead of time. This will give them ownership over the food they’ll be eating while teaching important math skills like budgeting and measuring.
Finally, have your children help prepare the meals by setting out utensils, stirring ingredients, and washing vegetables. Not only will this help them learn to be self-sufficient in the kitchen, but it’ll also give them a sense of accomplishment when they see their meal come together.
Involving your children in meal planning can make cooking fun for everyone involved! Not only will it create a sense of ownership over what they eat, but it’ll also teach them important skills like budgeting and nutrition. So get started today and you’ll soon have your whole family enjoying meals together. Happy eating!