Kids and Their Veggies...

Is it frustrating to get your kids or kids you take care of to eat their vegetables?  I know it can be a very big struggle to get kids to eat their vegetables, or even any vegetables at all *^$#@!

I'd like to share a trick that has worked like magic for me over the years.  Its more about timing, and passivity.  When they get home from school or before dinner is served, I'll put an assortment of fruits and vegetable on the table on a plate or two, if dip is applicable I'll set out a few dips for them to choose.  Then I don't say anything.  That is the trick.  No announcement, no saying they have to eat it.  

When they come into the kitchen complaining:

Kid - "I'm hungry!" 
You - "Alright (smile), there are some snacks right here, you can have as much as you like"
Kid - "I don't like that stuff!!!"
You - "That's fine (smiling), I guess you're not that hungry"

They may walk off huffy & puffy, but they will come back, and they will clean the plate.  Even the most difficult kids.  Of course, you need to put some things that you think they will like.  I like to put at least 5 different things, maybe 2 different types of fruit, and 3 different types of vegetables.  For example, some cut up apples, oranges, baby carrots, celery, and broccoli, or cucumbers.  Then I'll put out two or three dips, like ranch, peanut butter, or hummus.  I will put it out when they get home from school, then leave it out until dinner or the plate is clean.  Sometimes  I'll add some sliced meat, or cheese too.  It depends on what is in the house. 

Bon Appetit!