I am fortunate my kids are willing to try new foods, and for the most part, are not finicky eaters. However, that does not mean mealtime is drama-free, they are 5 and 3 afterall!

To keep the food boredom at bay, I get creative any chance I get. My tricks?

• Colorful plates and plates that coordinate with the holidays or seasons.
• Homemade placemats that THEY make. I buy large foam, colored rectangles at the craft store and let them decorate with stickers for each holiday or season.
• Dip! Dip! Dip! Kids love to dip and it doesn’t have to be store bought salad dressing. Try peanut butter (if they are old enough) with carrots or cream cheese with sugar snap peas.
• Don’t forget the drink! Add a drop of food coloring to milk, a pineapple on the rim, or even a cute stirrer.
• Cookie cutters aren’t just for cookies. I make shapes out of everything- sandwiches, cheese, apples, etc. Sometimes I put the cookie cutter on the plate and fill it with blueberries, grapes, or peas.
• Ambiance isn’t just for romantic dinners! My girls love when I ask them to put on a pretty dress for dinner and use linen napkins. The other day I put the disco ball from the playroom in the middle of the table and they loved it!
• Change the scenery. Have a carpet picnic or take the kiddie art table into her bedroom.
• Opposite day- Eat dessert first or have breakfast for dinner and let them wear pj’s!

 Most importantly- have fun! Don’t be afraid to get silly and imaginative. I love that my girls think my “messed up” pancakes look like stingrays and slugs!