This is a sponsored post from Chef Boyardee and BlogHer.
Once our little guy started eating table foods, one of the things that concerned me the most was whether or not he was going to be a picky eater. Since I was raised in a you-eat-what-you’re-served household, I was bound and determined to do the same. But what if he balked? What if he wouldn’t eat his vegetables? What if I turned into a short-order cook?
Needless to say, these prospects did not fill me with joy.
But as it turned out, I need not have worried. Sure, we had a rough go of it a time or two when grown-up food textures were just too much for his two- or three-year old palate. For the most part, though, we’ve fared remarkably well with very, very few food-related battles. I certainly don’t claim to have all the answers (after all, there’s only one child in this house, and he’s of a super good-natured variety), but there are two things in particular that worked for us: 1) Try every single food on your plate (every single meal) and 2) You eat what’s prepared for you. As much as I love to cook for my family, I’d drive myself crazy trying to take requests from a seven year-old every single night (not to mention that our weekly menu would consist of little more than chicken tenders, pizza and cheeseburgers).
As a result of our two really simple mealtime rules, we have a child who will eat almost anything for supper. I think the key is to start early with the expectation of eating well-rounded, healthy meals and to be consistent with that expectation. We definitely have ongoing challenges in terms of our parenting, but thankfully mealtime isn’t one of them. This mama is very grateful for that.
But whether your kids eat well or not, it seems like every phase of a child’s life requires putting together a whole new parenting puzzle. Right now, for example, our little guy is doing a great job getting his homework done in the afternoons, but keeping his room clean is another thing entirely. We’ve finally reached a point where he keeps it tidy enough to keep the peace, but I can’t seem to figure out how to help him be organized. Maybe it’s one of those qualities that you either have or you don’t (and truth be told, I struggle with the organization, too), but I know his life will be so much easier down the road if we can cultivate some good habits now. I just can’t seem to figure out how to get those good habits off the ground.
I’m learning to take my victories where I can find them. Today, for example, has been a pretty good day as far as his room is concerned.
I can live with a few pillows in the floor and a bed that hasn’t been made up yet. I just don’t fare so well when the floor looks like a lake of books and action figures.
So what about you? Care to share your parenting secrets? If you’d like to be entered to win a $200 Visa gift card courtesy of BlogHer, tell us one of your best parenting tips in the comments. How do you teach your kids to be organized? How do you manage homework? How do you get them to eat well? How do you handle bedtime? Chime in on one or all of these topics – I can’t wait to read your suggestions!
Be sure to check out the BlogHer.com exclusive offers page – you’ll find other bloggers there with even more chances to win.
For great tips from moms just like us, sharing experiences, ideas and advice on how to get kids to eat better, visit Club Mum. Club Mum is the perfect resource for moms to learn helpful hints on a variety of topics, which can be applied to their own family. Club Mum is also on Facebook with daily tips, recipes, articles, questions and a terrific and active community!
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I don’t have kids, so no tips. One thing my mom did with me was make me think fruit was a dessert!
I usually reason with kids. Let them know the consequences before setting principles.
http://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/14550809672949760
When my daughter was very little, we established a bedtime routine, which we did in the same order every night. As she got older, I never had trouble with getting her to bed – I really attribute it to a good beginning!
I find that having my youngest “help” me in the kitchen keeps her out of trouble. Makes things take longer but she enjoys and stays out of TROUBLE!
Wow! What a big question! An easy answer to the eating question is that I only made one thing for dinner each night and that is what everyone ate. Don’t be a short order cook, sit down together for dinner and if you don’t like it…you won’t starve before breakfast come the next morning!
Thanks for the great giveaway. Cheers
There are days when I feel as though I’m failing as a parent- when that happens I try to remember to step back and be thankful for my healthy, smart, (mostly) well behaved kids- when they grow up and are gone will I remember that their rooms where messy- or will I be wishing there were matchbox cars on the floor that someone needed me to pick up for them….?
We have two boys (8 & 10) and they are to do their homework at daycare before I pick them up. If they don’t, then we fine them. Amazing how they totally don’t want to part with their money…I think we’ve had to have two or three “fines” and haven’t had any since.
When we had the problem of them forgetting books at school so they couldn’t do an assignment, the fine system got in place again. Again, not a problem after them forking over their allowance $$. :-)
When the kids were young, I’d have a big basket in every room. They’d always put their toys or items in there, then put them away before they went to bed. 4 kids and a busy life meant lots of stinky, muddy, cleats and sweaty uniforms! The first thing they did when we walked in the door was go in the garage, put the dirty in the washer and get in the shower before dinner or bedtime! Another thing I did was make them breakfast burritos the night before, wrap them in foil and then put them in the oven early, get in the car and go! As they got older, that was a Godsend, and they could take an extra couple in their backpack for snack.
I had kids who are good eaters – one’s messy, the other will pay to have his area cleaned to keep it sparkling. One’s super intelligent, the other “normal”. Having one of each means one rule didn’t always work for both. But I did make some rules. One was that school while they were in it, WAS their job. It came first over sports, or anything else. As they got older we gave them “budgets” for clothing and extras. They could easily buy what they needed within the budget unless they wanted the “in thing” — for that they needed to wait and collect enough in credit to buy that item, or EARN the money they were missing. One earned the other waited, I tell you to this day they are still opposites.
Tweeted here: http://twitter.com/1prizewinner/status/14797221916573696
Twitter name @1prizewinner
1prizewinner(at)gmail(dot)com
Well, my kids are 15 and 20 and I have started charging them $ 1.00 when they wear thier boots on the carpet. I’m a bout $ 15.00 richer so far.
I am not a drill sargent, but I ask that they just keep it “presentable”. If they tidy it up along the way…it makes the real cleanup a lot easier!
With 3 kids not everyone is happy all the time. But they still need to try it. I’m amazed that my non-soup loving kid now loves soups!
One of my best parenting tip is to pray for and pray with your kids.
1. Have your child cook with you, making it fun!
2. If all else fails, put veggies and fruits in a smoothie – they’ll never know!
I think we basically took the same approach as you have. We asked our kids to at least try everything and presented a positive attitude that they would like it. We don’t have picky eaters either. In fact, they are eating us out of house and home!! :)
I always try to make my veggie dishes with herbs or spices to make them more tasty. The kids love them!
I think the best tip to being organized is having less stuff. We haven’t always lived that way, but as we’ve de-cluttered over the years, wow, it’s been amazing to see all the stuff we forgot we even had..ha.
Hmmm….I feel pretty inadequate in these issues since looking back – my (now 21 year old) is not all that organized and still struggles to complete her homework :) She does eat well because I tried to offer a lot of variety and always expected her to at least try everything, but I never forced her to finish anything. When it comes to bedtime, keeping to a schedule is the best advice I could offer.
I could say being picky has been a part of our life…but really it’s the food allergies that have been the challenge.
I’ve learned to just go with what my girl could eat and not get all flipped out on what she wouldn’t eat.
I know she’s healthy….and keeping her safe has been a higher priority than making her eat certain things.
She’s turned out pretty awesome!
I would say my best parenting tip is to make lists. Not only does this work for me, but my kids have learned it too – really helps stay organized!! grammypenny@frontier.com
Have a place for everything. I love using storage cubes to keep organized.
I have a chart for the kids with their list of chores/events/schoolwork they need done. They are responsible for checking it each day.
My kids are grown but one of my daughter has 6. She does not have the time for tricks. She does not have time to dote. Real quick they learn to do because there is no other way.
Eat at meal time or don’t but she doesn’t have a revolving door. (no snacking) Can’t afford it in money or time.
Everyone has to pitch it. I saw her one day, put diner right on the table (not on a plate) because the table setter didn’t do her job. (not a word of reprimand) When brother and sisters got the offender, it never happened again. I saw her one day take a pre schooler to class in her pjs. That never happened again.
Sometimes no money and no time is great teacher.
She was taking everyone to a school fair and the 10 yr old did not have his chores done. Dad stayed home and she left without him. (not a word of reprimand)
http://twitter.com/sodahoney/status/15547539184951297
We use a reward/star system to get the kids to do their homework. In addition, we also use the reward system for them to clean up after theirselfs. It took sometime to get the system to work, but now the kids know that we’ll be marking the chart off and if they do well, they get rewarded.
Thanks so much for this giveaway.
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com
I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/peg42/status/15555405396578304
Thanks again
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com
veggies with dip,fruits with peanut butter,almonds and rice cakes-always liked
I teach my kids to get their homework done and out of the way and then we can play. We make sure everything is pick up and put away so that in the morning, we aren’t running around looking for forms to be signed or missing backpacks. I think it helps us all stay streefree.
I think that in anything, the most important thing to have is first time obedience. It affects everything. And not just first time obedience, but first time obedience with a good attitude. “Yes, ma’am”, “No, ma’am”, looking into parent’s eyes. Absolutely essential!
include them in looking for recipes, shopping and making- they are more willing to try
veggie lasagna – kids eat the veggies (spinach, carrots, zucchini) because they can’t taste it
tvollowitz at aol dot com
My little technique is to start the difficult things early. If dinner is going to be the issue, then have everyone eat early. If bed time is the problem, then start the bedtime routine early. I have learned when things are running “late” I get crabbier as well as the kids. topgun34er(at)hotmail(dot)com
http://twitter.com/#!/Superfrugalette/status/15634986333896704
I have twin toddlers and a teenage girl. What I can say that has helped me so so much with our relationships is to use soft words and kindness when they are frustrated. Fighting back always makes it worse. I know it sounds like spoiling, but I think it diffuses the situation entirely if they feel like they are being heard and cared for.
have a picky 33 year old (the hubby) as well as a picky 10 year old. I often hide the veggies in foods I know they will eat…Like substituting spaghetti squash for part of the noodles in pasta, or using bean (or other veggie) purees in sauces. Out of sight, out of mind, and they are getting their veggies!! I know…I’m sneaky!
The kids had to finish their homework before they could go out and play with their friends.
One tip we have is how to get a picky eater to try something. Ketchup, or honey or cheese is enough to get a picky eater to eat something. Next time, forget the condiment, and they’ll eat (sometimes….)
I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/#!/benny8484/status/15671285002539008
http://twitter.com/#!/6littlefaces/status/15684950913196032
Make your house the home where all the kids hang out. It is so nice to know where they are and what they are doing.
With my picky eater we agree to try one new food each week and give our honest opinion. She tends to be more agreeable when she feels she has a say too.
AS SOON AS MY CHILDREN CAME IN THE DOOR…THEY ATE A FRUIT SNACK AND THEN STARTED ON THEIR HOMEWORK….NO PUTTING IT OFF
We stay organized with bins for everyone. They hold shoes, homework and equipment. The bins get checked every night to make sure that everyone’s stuff is signed, matched and ready to go in the morning.
To get my kids to stay organized, I have always had a table near the entryway that is a drop off for homework, library books, etc, so we never have to hunt things down at the last minute.
smchester at gmail dot com
We’re expecting our first child in March but we intend to introduce them to healthy and “different” foods right away in hopes that they won’t know the difference.
We try to get them to take a bite of veggies so at least they know if they like it or not rather then just automatic no. Also adding cheddar cheese to brocolli helps it taste better.
I feed my daughter the item she’s least likely to want FIRST as an “appetizer” while I’m getting ready. At that point she’s really hungry so will eat just about anything.
I feel creativity really helps with kids. Make things fun and creative.
Blogged: http://insanityisforthelame.blogspot.com/2010/12/boomama-chef-boyardee-healthy-eating.html
We fill half our plates with veggies and 1/4 for meat and 1/4 for rice or potatoes or roll.
Thanks for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net
best parenting secret? breathe…..
I do not worry what the kids’ rooms look like. They are old enough to take care of it themselves. But they are not allowed to leave their things laying around the rest of the house. They are also responsible for making sure their bathroom is thoroughly cleaned each week.
My best tip is to be consistent as a parent. Bedtime was never a problem because it was the same every night – bath, teeth brushing, story and sleep. Kids like to know what to expect.
to get them to eat well I make lots of side dishes so that they have choices and feel in charge.
I don’t have kids, but one thing my parents did with us is that they always cooked good food. I know that sounds bizarre, but I learned to eat well because they cooked well. They never just plopped boiled cabbage and meat on the plate–they sauteed it, used spices, make awesome casseroles, etc. It was okay if I didn’t like something, but that was rare!
Healthy snacks and homework go hand-in-hand in my home. Since the bedroom has many temptations, snacks and homework are set-up in the family room:-)
My best parenting tip is to tell your child you love him/her as you have to discipline. Explain that you are only disciplining because they need to know there are punishments for incorrect behaviors.
when my daughter was little, we maintained a very strict bedtime schedule
and i always got up and got ready earlier than she!
tweeted about this post
http://twitter.com/bellows22/statuses/16268356176846848
You must be consistent. Explain that sometimes “emergency changes may occur”, but this is our schedule and how we do things. And let the join in the schedule planning – it’s fun.
My granddaughter comes to my house after school. Homework comes first, then a snack.
I keep fruit, yogurt, and maybe a cookie. She seems to like the routine, and we have no problem getting homework done.
Tweet.
http://twitter.com/#!/mgoss123/status/16289293366464512
Oh, there are so many good tips in these comments! I believe it’s important to lead by example. My husband and I are very healthy eaters and we always have lots of fresh fruits and veggies in the fridge.
I get my kids to eat a healthy dinner by telling them if they eat they will get a surprise. It is usually fuit like an apple of bannana but it works;-)
Jeanette Huston
jeanette_huston@yahoo.com
I try to teach my son by example and with laughter and humor.
i think the trick to getting the kid to do it is to be consistent..my son used to be horrible at going to bed..my i took no prisoners and said lights out, no talking…it is now the easiest time of day with him…i wish i was stricter with other things
nannypanpan at sbcglobal.net
tweet=http://twitter.com/jillyrh/status/16314631479885824
My life runs so much more smoothly when I lay out both mine and my kids’ outfits the night before, as well as make sure the diaper bag is packed and ready to go. Shoes and coats are set out by the door. It makes it so much easier to get out the door on time in the mornings.
tweeted 12/18
http://twitter.com/maybaby522/status/16351306100776960
I make sure I stick to a routine that is predictable for my kids.
Merry Xmas! Thanks!
Janna Johnson
jannajanna@hotmail.com
janna@feedyourpigblog.com
http://www.feedyourpigblog.com
If something is going on in the morning, like school for example, I have the kids get their things ready the night before so we aren’t rushing around and stressing ourselves out in the morning.
I always had my children do thier homework while I was cooking dinner. That seemed to work great for us. If they had a problem I was right there since they were at the kitchen table.
Most of my parenting secrets come from watching and listening to my friends, who had children (and went thru it all) before I did. Why reinvent something that worked for them? Probably the greatest tip from father with daughter who wouldn’t pick up clothes from her floor (they’d tried everything). He ended up draping them on the shrubs in the front yard… and a guy she liked walked by the house… she picked up after that! Extreme yes, but if you’ve ever had a teen that you’ve tried everything else on and nothing worked….
I guess it helps that my daughter was never a picky eater, but I think the main reason is she was started very young with good eating habits. Fruits and veggies instead of sugary or fatty snacks. No fried foods, always oven baked etc…. I think a key to healthy easting is to start them young so they think that is the way you are suppose to eat
I tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/eyzofblu63/status/16613709593976832
no kids, but my mom always made me try things and withheld dessert if i didn’t finish!
http://twitter.com/#!/DesMoinesDealin/status/16702096619343872
offer only healthy foods
I think for us were still on a learning curve here I already raised one child til 21 now I have 3 closer in age and its a lot more difficult.
We pretty much fly by the seat of our pants around here. As far as eating goes we put it on the table. We try to have healthy snacks and less junk food available. Bed time is still a bit of a struggle with the younger two but were staying firm. We dont’ really do a routine which is one thing that maybe hurting us but its all learning curve.
nightowlmamablogs at gmail dot com
My parenting ‘secret’ is that I expect a lot from my kids and they deliver. I’m trying to raise independent people. So I expect them to make their own lunches, clean up after themselves, etc. I don’t do for them, what they can do for themselves. As a result, they are very competent, get good grades, and are very proud of their accomplishments.
I get them to eat well by serving the fruit/veggie first, and waiting until they have eaten about half of their serving before serving the rest of the meal.
Homeworks gets done as soon as my daughter gets home. That way its done and over with. We dont have to worry the rest of the night
itsjustme62613 at gmail.com
tweet
http://twitter.com/MistySunrise/status/16874490168348675
itsjustme62613 at gmail.com
Encouraging good habits at a young age is so important. Allow your child to help you and always praise good behavior and good eating. Also let your child help you make their meal. It gives them a sense of accomplishment and pride. Letting your child pick out their own outfits (even if they dont match) is a good way of teaching responsibility. Homework always gets done as soon as my child gets home. If they’re hungry I will make a quick healthy meal, like Chef Boyardee Ravioli but then its straight to homework. No TV or playing until its done. You will thank yourself when they get in High School (trust me)
chichibeans at aol
http://twitter.com/#!/pizzalogger/status/16887656398979072
tweeted contest
chichibeans at aol
My meal time rule is that they must at least try a bite and if they really don’t like it I won’t forece them to eat it but usually after trying a bite they realize it wasn’t nasty tasting like they thought.
For being organized I bought them their own storage containers and they are to clean up and put their toys in their own storage containers.
I cook chicken a lot of various ways. As I cook something I set aside some small portions for “tasting”..my grandkids taste each new item and either adds it to their favorites or not. I freeze individual portions of the various favorites so I always have something on hand when the grandkids come to visit.
Tweeted the giveaway:
http://twitter.com/miss_moneymaker/status/16892072552308736
sarahjd766 at yahoo dot com
tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/Grandma3710/status/16906399493652480
My daughter is 14 now and my biggest challenge is getting her to keep her room clean. Now I threaten to come in with a garbage bag and clean everything out if it’s not clean by the end of the week. I give her a list of things I want cleaned and she has until Friday to do them and check them off. Every day I check on her progress. If everything is done, then on Saturday she’s allowed to rent a video for the weekend.
It’s worked so far. As long as she does a little every day, I can take a little bit of clutter.
http://twitter.com/auntiethesis/status/16909741770940416
All any of us can, and should, do is make sure our children see the love we have for them, ESPECIALLY when they have to be disciplined.
I try to make everything an adventure, or put a fun spin on things. If you do chores in your pj’s and add some awesome music, it becomes a dance party!
paigewiley16 AT gmail DOT com
We had long discussions about credit and interest and credit scores.
We have an in the door – out the door policy. For every toy the kids bring home or are given for birthdays/Christmas they pick out something to donate on Freecycle.
I do not have kids yet (it’s okay that I enter anyway right?!), but I was definitely raised in the same kind of household as you. I had to eat what I was served! It worked well for my parents as I have always eaten pretty much anything and I plan to use this same technique with my children and hope for the best :)
The hubby and I have been discussing this very topic just yesterday! We ‘trick’ our kiddo into thinking some of the good foods are actually junk. She loves junk food. We have those fruit bars that we like to tell her she can have for breakfast or dessert and she thinks she’s getting a treat! Probably not the best parenting tip available but it’s worked for us, so far!
http://twitter.com/erinhern
Not sure how to send URL for exact tweet but I did tweet about it!