Making Mealtimes Fun, Healthy, and Tasty for Toddlers

Let's face it. When a toddler is hungry, there is not much time to prepare a meal before the crankiness starts. The meals must also be good or they'll wind up smashed into the floor, table, or high chair (or even all three). Sometimes this can lead to unhealthy meals, such as fast food or frozen food ridden with preservatives. As a health-conscious mom, I simply wasn't going to sacrifice my childrens' health for a quick meal nor was I going to spend hours listening to a toddler scream due to impatience. I had plenty of trial and error as to what things made mealtime go smooth and which did not, as well as which types of things toddlers preferred. I also researched to find out which meals were healthy and which were not. Here are some practical ideas that help mealtime run smoother along with some ideas that are yummy to a toddler's tummy and can also be tasty for the parents. Keep in mind that it is alright to provide a treat every now and then, just not every day.

Here are some ideas you can use to simplify things.

When it is getting close to any mealtime, a toddler will grow cranky. To avoid that, have a bowl of grapes or some other fruit your toddler enjoys readily available. While you cook, your toddler can snack, but still have room for dinner. Also have a coloring book and crayons at the table or highchair. Your toddler can color while waiting. If your child likes to put crayons into his or her mouth, you may want to opt for an Etch a Sketch or Magna Doodle instead.

Since toddlers are rather impatient, there are a few things you can do ahead of time to make preparing meals go much quicker. Keep tupperware containers of a variety of sliced fruits in your refrigerator at all times. These can make handy snacks and also act as side dishes for a meal. Also do the same with vegetables. Be sure they are all sliced into appropriate bite sizes for toddlers.