Getting Kids to Eat Vegetables and Fruits

When we first begin to feed our children out of little jars, their diet consists of cereals, fruits and veggies. Most of the time, we first time-parents are so impressed with how our new little eaters gobble up the good stuff. I, for one, was so certain that my daughter had a real palate for fruits and vegetables; after all, I never had a problem to get her to eat them even after I retired the little jars. That is, I never had a problem until the toddler days were gone. Now that she's a big kid - 3 ? -- she wants to be like all the cool kids and refuse them. So what's a mommy to do?

Before I recommend that all like-concerned parents rush out to buy the Jessica Seinfeld book (no disrespect to the author) I would like to share some methods that have given me some ease of mind.

? Shop with your kids.

What do you mean, "I don't wanna!" Get off the floor, stop kicking, and listen to me for a moment. It starts early; kids enjoy their independence, and they want to start making their own decisions as soon as they can comprehend what that means. So, I have found it helpful to let my daughter choose produce from the grocery store. I ask her what fruits she would like, and what veggies she wants me to pack in her lunch.

? Better yet, shop somewhere cool.

Try to patronize your local farmer's market. You're doing several good things here. Not only are you going somewhere fun with your kids to buy produce, you're supporting your local growers and getting better produce anyway.

? Invite your kids into the kitchen.

And refer back to "shop with your kids." You might think it's easier just to do everything yourself, and by golly, I agree...however. Kids like to be involved, and when they take part in meal preparation they are more likely to get excited about what's on the plate.

? If all else fails, be sneaky.