ML Interest Tag: meal

Why Baby-Led Weaning Was One of Our Best Parenting Moves

By Jennifer Webb

At 19 months old, my daughter has the appetite of a fully grown adult. She eagerly downs adult-sized plates of nutritious foods without complaint. How? I owe it all to baby-led weaning (also known as BLW). My husband and I don’t make a habit of spoon-feeding our child, and we’ve never bought baby food. From the beginning, she’s eaten what we eat—all on her own—within reason. Before I get into baby-led weaning and why I think it’s the savior of picky eaters everywhere, let me stress that BLW is a decision you should make after talking with your pediatrician. It may or may not be a suitable introduction to solid foods for your child.

So what exactly is baby-led weaning?

Typically babies start eating solid foods around 4-6 months by being spoon-fed purees. Slowly, they build up to chunkier foods until they graduate to solids. Babies learn to swallow food first and chew later.

With baby-led weaning, babies start no earlier than six months with soft solid foods cut into finger-length spears. Think watermelon, avocado, bananas, cooked veggies, or stewed meat.

Babies are allowed to experiment—i.e., play—with what they eat. Manipulating food teaches them how to deal with different tastes and textures, and how to bite or mash food into swallowable pieces.

Is BLW healthy?

Yes! The onus is on families eating well-balanced meals and sharing those meals with their children.

There are a few things to keep in mind though:

  1. Foods need to be low in salt and sugar, and as with any infant under one, no honey.
  2. While it can take babies a while—up to a few weeks—to swallow anything, they receive the nutrients they need via formula or breastmilk.
  3. Parents can incorporate a mix of BLW and purees, but we opted to stick to a strict BLW and breastmilk diet.

Is baby-led weaning dangerous?

BLW is a perfectly safe method of getting your child started on solid foods. A 2016 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics determined that BLW babies are at no higher risk of choking than spoon-fed babies. Technically, you can choke at any time in your life while eating just about anything (and there’s a big difference between choking and gagging, which babies do a lot).

My husband and I took an online infant safety class before our daughter’s first meal. But that’s a safe move regardless of how you choose to feed your child.

Now I don’t want to get into the ins and outs of BLW—you can read up on it here— but I want you to know it’s been one of our favorite parenting decisions.

Why was BLW one of our best decisions ever?

It’s made our daughter more independent. From day one BLW babies eat on their own. The method asks that you don’t spoon-feed your child—ever. (Though some people are more strict than others and we’ve had a few occasions where we’ve been more lenient).

BLW babies are expected to be in charge of their food journey. My daughter chooses what she wants to eat and how much of it—within the options that are in front of her. The implications of that set kids up for a life-long positive relationship with food. If she doesn’t want to eat that much one day? Fine. She’ll more than make up for it the next day.

Today, our friends, family, and her daycare teacher repeatedly tell us how good of an eater she is. And it’s true—we’ve avoided a picky eater which we think is due to her being in control of what she eats from the beginning.  My child is happily entertained with whatever you place in front of her. That means veggies, fruit, seafood—you name it.

I think that is because BLW kids are allowed (and encouraged) to experience their food. Because they’re eating on their own, it gives babies a chance to pick up their food, mash it, touch it, look at it, and eventually eat it.

Related: 6 Common Mistakes Parents Make When Starting Solids

What this encourages (aside from making a mess) is for kids to play with different textures, shapes, tastes, and colors.

But it also allows kids to experience food in the same form we eat it as adults. I don’t eat pureed carrots, or meat, or any mixture thereof. But I do eat solid carrots and meats. BLW allows kids to observe, touch, and taste whole foods the way they will encounter them as they get older.

Fussy eaters often complain about the differences in texture or taste. BLW nips that in the bud by having babies encounter those differences from the get-go.

The Result? We Have Stress-Free Meal Times

Because my daughter devours whatever we give her and because we don’t have to spoon-feed her, mealtimes are family time. There’s no need to feed the baby first and then eat once she’s gone to bed. The three of us get to enjoy our meals at the same time. And as babies learn through observation, BLW has helped our daughter be a part of a daily, communal family dinner.

The Unexpected Part? It Saves Time & Money

Here are the oh-so-fantastic list of things that we appreciate now:

  • No extra meal prep
  • No need to bring food when we eat out
  • No need to buy baby food

To a certain extent, it lets us live like we don’t have a baby. We enjoy our meals, we still eat out, and we eat a healthy, grown-up diet.

I Can’t Imagine Doing It Any Other Way

BLW has made my daughter into the little devourer of food that she is. I’m proud to see her happily munching away at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I’m relieved we can take her virtually anywhere and know she’ll be fine. But my favorite part? Sitting down as a family to a very normal, calm meal.

BLW has changed my whole outlook on getting kids started eating. It boosters a love for a healthy, varied diet while getting kids acquainted with food on their own terms.

Yes, it’s a personal decision, but I’m proud to say baby-led weaning has been a winning choice for our family.

I'm a New Yorker, married to a Texan, living in Spain, and enjoying the mash of cultures that keep us laughing every day. We have a too-smart-for-her-own-good toddler who's already more bilingual than we are. I'm also a teacher and creator of Bilingually Yours, a blog for Spanish teachers and bilingual families.

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The Only 2 Things to Say to Your Kid After a Game

By MOJO Inc.

Imagine if every time you took the garbage out or loaded the dishwasher someone offered helpful tips on how to do it more efficiently. Now imagine if, after every meal, someone in your family gave a critique of the food and made suggestions for the next meal.

How would you feel? Well, I know how I would feel: deflated, frustrated, and unmotivated.

Without realizing it, this is basically what some parents are doing to their children after every practice or game. As soon as the child leaves the field, Mom or Dad starts in.

Sometimes, it’s friendly tips that are meant to be helpful. Sometimes, it’s more commanding advice, like “Swing with more power” or “Pay more attention to the ball.” Other times, parents just ask so many questions they exhaust their children (who are already tired from the game).

I can tell you with confidence that all children—and I mean all children—hate the questions and constructive criticism. Young athletes start to dread the car ride home because they know they are held captive with nowhere to exit. The analysis of the game and the helpful hints completely suck the fun out of the game.

What’s worse, that fleeting car ride can have a lasting, if unintended, effect.

In my practice as a family coach, I see it time and time again. A child has loved sports for many years. Then all of a sudden, poof, he or she has no interest in ever playing again—and the parents are left scratching their heads.

It’s all too common. Up to 70 percent of youth athletes stop playing the game by age 13, according to a survey conducted by The National Alliance for Youth Sports. The reason? Heartbreakingly, because the game is no longer fun.

Even the most well-intentioned parent can ruin the fun by being overly invested in the outcome of a game or the growth of their player. (And it’s a shame because, besides being fun, playing a sport is shown to improve academic outcomes, lower the risk of alcohol and drug use, reduce unexpected pregnancies, and improve social relationships.)

I know it’s hard not to share what you see from the sidelines. I know parents are just trying to connect with their children. But, more often than not, it’s not working.

The good news? There’s an easy fix. Greet your player when the game is over in one of two ways, and you will revolutionize the way your child feels about being on the team.

Option 1: “I love to watch you play.”

Option 2: “Where should we go for ice cream?”

By telling your child how much you enjoy seeing their effort, win or lose, you are conveying support and reinforcing the joy of the game. I see so many young players immediately looking into the stands to see a parent’s reaction to a goal or a great defensive move. They want—no, they crave—the positive affirmations from their parents.

So, give it to them.

(This also goes for those parents glued to their phones on the sidelines. Look up! You want to be there to catch their eye.)

The more you focus on the joy of watching them—not winning, not technique, not strategy—the more they’ll actually enjoy playing (and, not incidentally, the more likely they’ll actually improve).

Now, ice cream after a game isn’t always necessary. But, win or lose, it sure is nice.

Catherine Pearlman, Ph.D., LCSW, is a therapist, avid youth sports parent, and founder of The Family Coach. This post originally appeared on MOJO.

MOJO is on a mission to make youth sports more fun for everyone — one kid, one coach, one family at a time. 

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The Secrets Professional Organizers Use to Stay Sane & Clutter-Free

by Jennifer Massoni Pardini

Whether you are trying to keep a resolution to stay organized; got inspired while rewatching The Home Edit’s Netflix show; or are once again being swallowed up by school papers, sports gear, and the like, finally getting your home in order takes a healthy dose of trust and courage—much like jumping off the high dive at the local pool. But fear not, we’ve reached out to our favorite organizing gurus, a.k.a. moms who are also professional organizers, to help you tackle the job once and for all. Check out the home organization tips below and get ready to experience the rush of feeling organized—you may be surprised by how good it feels.

1. Set Expectations & Goals

Julia G. Raz, Ph.D., professional organizer and founder of Golden West Organizing, uses her expertise in Communications to work with her clients by empowering them with confidence in their own voice—guiding them in a non-judgmental way to understand what their needs are, and helping them "become the best version of themselves through decluttering and organizing—all the little things in life that can weigh us down." Adding, "At one point in my life, I decluttered about 80% of my belongings because I was overwhelmed by how cluttered my life had become." For Raz, it's important to stress for new organizers to understand that, "Decluttering is not a one-time be-all, end-all. Instead, decluttering has to be an ongoing part of your life." She also points out that organizing is a skill that may be new for some and may take time to develop or you may need help to learn it." The takeaway? Set realistic expectations and realize that to stay organized, there may need to be a change in your behavior, and that could take time, so be patient with yourself and the process.

Online: goldenwestorganizing.com

2. Keep It Simple

Joni Weiss and Kitt Fife, Co-Founders of Practically Perfect, believe in order for an organizing system to work, it must be age appropriate. "The number one mistake parents make is to have a system that’s too complicated for their kids! Staying organized is about maintenance and accountability, and that means kiddos have to be able to pick up after themselves when playtime is over. It’s imperative to consider the age plus stage of your little ones when you consider which organizational system will work best for your play spaces."

Their advice (that can be applied pre and post-pandemic) to maintain an organized space? Try not to control everything, learn to roll with changes, create a routine (and stick to it), and update your entryway drop zones as well as dedicated zones in the fridge and pantry for handy snacks and the like.

Related: Check out more Practically Perfect organizing tips for your kid's room here. 

 

3. Start Small

For Beth Penn, founder of the professional organizing business Bneato Bar, motherhood has upped her game. “As a new mom myself, it's about starting small. In my book, The Little Book of Tidying is this quote: ‘Tidying is not a quick-fix solution; it’s a practice, a daily intention, an approach to living.’ Us moms can be very hard on ourselves when we look at everything that needs to get done. Now, more than ever, prioritization and simplifying life is key. What does this look like? Taking distracting apps like Facebook and Instagram off my phone, joining a group that promotes not buying stuff I don’t need—small tweaks like these really add up in keeping my home organized.”

Another way Penn recommends starting small that can make a big impact? Choose environmentally-friendly products when you are organizing. Choose a whiteboard with a dry-erase marker for your DIY command center to reduce your use of paper. 

Online: bneatobar.com

4. The One-Minute Rule

girl toy decor organize
Kate Emslie via Unsplash

NYC-based best-selling author of The Happiness Project and more, Gretchen Rubin, rocks writing, parenting two daughters, and an in-demand speaking schedule. She has also found a way to be highly organized. A spin on her “Power Hour” idea (working once a week for an hour on a given chore), she suggests abiding by a rule all organized moms can follow: the one-minute rule. “With any task that can be finished in one minute, do it without delay. Hang up your coat, read a letter and toss it, fill in a form, note down a citation, file a paper, put a dish in the dishwasher…and so on. Because the tasks are so quick, it isn’t too hard to make yourself follow the rule—but you’ll see big results."

Online: gretchenrubin.com

5. Don't Put It Down, Put It Away

Practically Perfect

This concept is perfect for the one-minute rule. Practically Perfect's Joni Weiss and Kitt Fife say if you commit yourself to do this each day, you'll remember how good it feels to be organized. "Changing habits can also be key, and we encourage carving out a small amount of time each day put items away. And labeling can help!

6. Love It or Leave It?

Raz, of Golden West Organizing, says, "I usually have clients first pick the things they love the most. Once we’ve found all of those items in a particular category, I’ll ask them 1) do they use it, 2) do they need it, 3) would they buy it again if they saw it in a store? This method is inspired by The Minimal Mom—a YouTube channel I’ve been following for years. She adds, "Decluttering is the best way to stay organized. There is no bin or storage system that can make too much clutter work. Lessening the number of items to what is reasonable for you is what makes all the difference."

7. Channel Your Inner KonMari

Since her bestselling books, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and Spark Joy have become must-read tidying tomes, Marie Kondo’s KonMari Method has sparked serious joy across apartments and suburban homes everywhere. And while, yes, Kondo finally admitted her methods don't work as well when you have kids, you'll still get great home organization tips from her advice. SPOKE contributor Lynn Laplante Allaway put the KonMari method to the test with a modified pace for her family of six and a whole lot of humor along the way. She jokes about calling it something of “the AllLyn Method,” if you will. We love her takeaways on socks, the sentimentality of children’s books, and suburban closet space.

8. Clean & Clear Seasonally

There’s neat, and then there’s NEAT Method, which creates personalized systems for each client’s unique needs and lifestyle. After being founded in San Francisco by friends and organizing entrepreneurs Ashley Murphy and Molly Graves, 32 NEAT cities nationwide now help on-site with home projects (like making room for a new babe), while online packages are available to all. As the moms behind the method told us, their secret to success goes right along with the seasons: “In order to keep things NEAT as a mom, it is crucial to set aside a few times every year that you will clean out your children's toys! Get your kid involved and make a donation and a toss pile. A perfect time to do this is after a birthday or holiday when likely a lot of new toys have entered the playroom.”

Online: neatmethod.com

9. Find a Home for Every Last LEGO

using a three-tiered cart for LEGO is a good home organization tip
The Container Store

Does the lid no longer fit on that one bin you dedicated to all the LEGO pieces? Time to designate a little LEGOLAND of your own at home. We’ve already done the heavy lifting with a round-up of 14 storage ideas you’ll totally want to try. We’re talking color-coded bins, tackle boxes for the tiny stuff, hanging buckets, and even an all-in LEGO Table and Storage Unit. If LEGO isn’t your kid's thing, several of these organizing ideas would translate well to other multi-part toys (Shopkins Shopville storage, anyone?).

10. Be Your Own Assistant

The daily grind of work inside the house and out can get tedious, and things like mail can literally pile up. For Texas-based pro organizer (and mother of four!) Mary Johanson of Creating Mary’s Home, that very pile is actually the secret to her success. “Set an appointment with yourself once a week to do the boring adult stuff,” she recommends. “I pile mail into a basket throughout the week. During the time I set aside weekly, I act like my own secretary. I go through the mail, pay bills, RSVP to parties, file or scan important stuff, make phone calls, and whatever else needs to get done. This weekly appointment keeps mental clutter out of my mind, not to mention paper clutter off my counters!”

Online: creatingmaryshome.com

11. Just Meal Prep (& Swap) Already

Ella Olsson/Unsplash

Minnesota-based professional organizer Sara Pederson of Time To Organize shared her two top tips for saving time when it comes to cooking. First, “set aside a little time on the weekend to plan out five dinners for the following week. Take a quick peek in the pantry and fridge to see what you need to buy in order to make those meals happen. Jot a list and shop on the weekend so that weekday meals can be as quick and easy as possible.”

Then—and here’s where you get a whole night off cooking, people—set up a meal exchange with another family in the neighborhood! “Pick a specific day each week to double whatever you’re making that night and drop it off so your friends can enjoy an effortless, home-cooked meal. In exchange, that family will provide a meal to you on another pre-planned night. It takes virtually no extra effort to double a recipe, saves money, and connects two families in a fun way.”

Online: timetoorganize.com

RELATED: 40 Make-Ahead Meals That Are Perfect for Busy Weeknights

12. Apply the Four-Stop Test to Toys

Hannah Rodrigo via Unsplash

When it comes to containing the clutter, it’s all too easy for kids to keep us swimming in it. SPOKE contributor Marisa Svalstedt has a genius method for categorizing and downsizing your home’s personal toy department. “While clothing is easy to discard at the appropriate time as children grow out of them so quickly, toys are another story,” Svalstedt writes. “The toys in my household go for a sort of ride through our home before either settling or making a permanent departure." From keeping current favorites well within reach to storing well-loved keepsakes (you’ll adore her easy and affordable storage hack!), and on through to the end of the line, where the definitively outgrown is donated or sold, you’ll want to hop aboard this train.

13. Map Your Time

using a time map is a good home organization tip
Laura Gaskill

Laura Gaskill is a San Francisco Bay Area-based mom and writer who offers e-courses on home organization tips to help folks clear the clutter at home and in life overall, so there’s time to focus on what matters most. Gaskill suggests charting a “Time Map,” which she defines as “simply a record of how you actually spend the hours of your day. The key word here is actually!” she writes on her website. “When we make guesses about how we are spending our time, we tend to underestimate how long we spend on not-so-great things (like browsing social media) and overestimate the amount of time we spend on positive things (like playing with our kids).” And as she points out, “getting a clear picture of how we actually spend our time is the first step if you want to change things.”

Online: lauragaskill.com

—with additional reporting by Andie Huber

 

 

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All the Chores Kids Should Be Doing, Based on Their Age

by Gabby Cullen

When it comes to household chores, you’ve got plenty of tasks to go around. More importantly, when kids are required to pitch in and help with age-appropriate chores, they’ll learn how to cooperate, gain a sense of independence and feel a sense of accomplishment. If you’re wondering what exactly to put on your chore chart for kids, we’ve broken it down by age, from toddlers up to tweens. From picking up toys to helping with dinner, here is our ultimate chore list for kids.

Age-Appropriate Chores for Ages 2-3

toddler doing age-appropriate chores
iStock

Pick up the toys. Ask your toddler to help clean up when playtime is over, instead of doing it at the end of the day when you’d rather be watching Netflix instead of cleaning up DUPLO blocks.

Wipe up small spills. This is an easy one and is especially important if they are the ones that made the mess. Don't make a big deal, just let them know they need to clean up after themselves.

Put shoes away. A toddler can easily put his shoes away, especially if there's a special bin or shelf for footwear.

Put dirty clothes in the hamper. Show your little one where clothes go before he chooses his own drop spot.

Match socks. An easy way to let someone else worry about why there's always one sock missing.

Throw away trash. Kids can start putting trash in its proper place at an early age. 

Pick up sticks in the yard. What's more fun than collecting sticks?

Sort the groceries. Preschool-aged kids can help you put away things like cereal, snacks, canned goods, and other things that aren't too heavy or breakable. 

Chore List for Kids Ages 4-5

putting away silverwear should be on a chore list for kids ages 4 to 5
iStock

All of the chores listed above. 

Put away clean utensils. It’s the little things!

Brush their own teeth. This is an easy self-care chore that any preschooler can tackle.

Fold washcloths or napkins. Something small and square is the perfect first item to have your pre-k kid learn how to fold.

Make their own bed. This is a tough one because busy school mornings can get in the way. Weekends are wide open, however, and there’s nothing like a made bed to give your home a clean, fresh feeling.

Collect the mail. This one doesn't even feel like a chore.

Bring their belongings in from the car. Whether it's their toys or backpack, four-and five-year-olds are old enough to make sure everything gets inside at the end of the day. 

 

Related: 11 Reasons Why Chores Make Kids More Successful (According to Studies)

Age-Appropriate Chores for Kids Ages 6-7

little boy doing age-appropriate chores
iStock

All of the chores listed above.

Help prep a basic meal. If kids with knives don't sound like a good idea, there are plenty of other things they can do. Think: gather ingredients, measure spices, crack and whisk eggs, grate some cheese, flip pancakes, and more.

Wipe down surfaces. Kids this age are perfectly capable of spraying, wiping, and cleaning down a surface. Especially if they are the ones that made the mess in the first place.

Take control of their school gear. Stop gathering your kids’ stuff every night or morning. These early years are the right time to set up good work habits.

Water the plants. This is a great chore to help develop organizational skills. Have your kid schedule a once-a-week date with a watering can on the calendar.

Help carry in groceries. Unless you're using the multiple trips to and from the car as your cardio for the day.

Set and clear the table. You prepared the meal, so your kids should help to set and clear the plates. Simple as that. 

Put away laundry. Imagine a place where the laundry gets put away instead of collecting dust in a basket somewhere. It can be a reality, we promise!

Feed pets. Your grade-school-aged kid loves the dog, the chickens, and the family turtle. Well, no time like the present to teach him how to take care of something smaller than he is. 

Chore List for Kids Ages 8-10

little boy doing laundry, a good thing to put on a chore list for kids ages 8-10
iStock

All of the chores listed above. 

Basic home maintenance. At around 10, kids can begin to do small tasks around the house that helps with upkeep like putting in new lightbulbs, changing batteries, and hanging small pictures. 

Load and unload the dishwasher. Most days, after unloading, the thing fills right back up and needs to be unloaded again. Your early tween is an ideal candidate for helping out with this daily task.

Help with recycling and garbage. Older kids can sort recyclables, empty wastebaskets, and help pull trash cans in from the road. It’s also a good way for them to learn about consumption and to see where waste goes.  

Vacuum the rugs. The best part about handing off this task is that your kids will have to keep their rooms picked up in order to fulfill their duty.

Dust shelves, blinds, and furniture. A Swiffer duster makes this chore a breeze. 

Clean the mirrors in the bathrooms. Older kids are strong enough, and usually tall enough to reach the top of the mirror by now. Pass the Windex.

Move clothes from the washer to the dryer. Most kids ages eight and up are tall enough (and old enough) to start helping with the laundry. If there are items you don't want in the dryer or if you like to use a certain heat setting, be sure to show the kids the ropes in advance.

Related: Parents Hatch Genius Plot to Catch Their Kids Skipping Chores

Age-Appropriate Chores for Kids Ages 10-12

iStock

All of the chores listed above. 

Walk the dog. Take pet care to the next level by asking your tween to take on giving Fido his daily workout. 

Help with grocery shopping. Give your big kid his own list at the store, and arrange to meet up at the checkout. You'll cut your shopping time in half!

Vacuum out the car. She's already tackled vacuuming the living room and her bedroom. Add on the family car once a month or every other week. 

Babysit for siblings or relatives in small increments. Whether it's to take charge at a social or family gathering or leave your tween in charge for 30 minutes while you run a quick errand, this is a good age to test the waters for child care. 

Rake leaves. Before you can mow the grass, the leaves need to be raked. Tweens can handle this, plus it's a great way to keep them outside and off tablets. 

Change their own bedsheets (and keep the bed made). This is a chore that only takes a few minutes, but it's a game changer when it comes to feeling like you're on top of the mess. 

 

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11 Do’s & Don’ts of Your Baby’s First Holiday Season

by Oz Spies

Keep your little one in good spirits right through New Year’s Eve with these relative wrangling, calendar managing, baby prioritizing tips

The holidays can be a magical time, especially when there’s a brand-new little one to share in all the sparkly joy. But when too many seasonal happenings pile up on top of baby duties, your stress levels can get dialed up to 11, making the magic feel more like madness. To help you pull off the perfect balancing act of keeping your sanity and making precious new memories, we came up with a list of do’s and don’ts for your baby’s first Christmas.

1. Do take lots of pictures. You’ll delight in looking back at the shots of your bundled-up little one exploring their first snow day or banging away with their first dreidel.

2. Don’t feel pressure to make a big holiday meal from scratch. Unless you adore cooking and wait months for the chance to roast a turkey, this may be the year to order a pre-made meal or host a festive potluck.

3. Do respect your baby’s schedule. If your little one has settled into a routine, staying up late for too many nights can lead to joy-smashing meltdowns. Whenever it’s possible, keep up with nap and bedtime routines, and you and your little one will be well-rested and ready for holiday adventures.

4. Do take advantage of all the relatives’ love. If Aunt Jeannie wants to hold the baby for a few hours, it’ll give you the perfect opportunity to shower or take a walk. For many modern parents living far away from extended family, the holidays are the only time to have a village of support, so make the most of it!

5. Don’t be afraid to say no. If you’re too tired to go to midnight mass or attend however many holiday parties, skip it. Feel free to make liberal use of your awesome excuse: I just had a baby. The holidays are no fun if nerves are frayed and little ones are wailing, so throw out the rules and preserve a little space for rest.

6. Do take time to fit in something special to you, whether it’s driving around to see holiday lights or devouring gingerbread men. If you have the energy, you can start a family tradition, like reading ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by candlelight, but keep it low-key. You have many more holidays in your future to create new traditions with your wee one!

7. Do bring a carefully selected bunch of baby necessities along if you’re traveling, like a favorite blanket and beloved pacifier. Ask the grandparents to have all the other essentials ready when you arrive, like diapers in the right size, so you can settle right in and get to celebrating. As for how to handle flying with a baby, check out our helpful tips here.

8. Don’t feel compelled to take a long trip. If your little one is only a few weeks old, or you’re exhausted from balancing work and new mama-hood, celebrate your baby’s first Christmas at home. Keeping it low-key means instead of risking being snowed in at an airport with a newborn—you can schedule a family visit for another time with less pressure and less risk of airplane delays.

9. Don’t blow your budget on expensive gifts. Babies don’t need a ton of shiny new toys to unwrap–most are just as happy with an empty box and a classic wooden rattle. On the other hand, if you still need a few choice pieces of baby gear, like a jogging stroller, the holidays can be a perfect time to ask Santa to slip a little something under the tree for you both.

10. Do take walks in a winter wonderland. Bundle up and get outside. With a few extra layers, babies can marvel at the sparkling snow. Plus, a little fresh air keeps the cabin fever away.

11. Do remember that while this may be your baby’s first Christmas, it’s not the only holiday. You’ll have many years to introduce your kiddo to pumpkin pie and sleigh rides. Keep it simple and focus on what’s meaningful and what brings you and your family joy.

Make sure to capture all the memories—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

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Mustard & Maple Syrup Glazed Chicken

by Erin Lem

Everyone has that go-to dinner meal when time is limited and tummies are rumbling. The best part? This mustard and maple syrup glazed chicken recipe only requires four ingredients. The sweetness infused by the maple syrup appeals to those with sweet tooths (and picky eaters!). If you’re more about the bite and less about the sweet flavor, be sure to load up the glaze with mustard. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.

Check out our 3-ingredient recipes for more easy dinner ideas.

Ingredients for Mustard and Maple Syrup Glazed Chicken:

6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (you can use bone-in too)
one large shallot, minced
3 tablespoons of real maple syrup
1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard with seeds

Method:
1. Pre-heat broiler. Sautee shallot with olive oil over medium heat in a saucepan. Salt and pepper both sides of the chicken on a foil-covered baking sheet.

2. After shallot softens (about 1-2 mins), add maple syrup and mustard until glaze thickens and bubbles, stirring occasionally, about 2-3 mins. You can use as much maple syrup or mustard as you like — we suggest making it so it’s 2:1 ratio of syrup to mustard.

3. Brush one side of the chicken with glaze and broil for 5-6 mins. Turn chicken over and cover with glaze. Broil another 5-6 mins until chicken is cooked through. Serve with rice and veggies.

 

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13 Instant Pot Freezer Meals for Busy Weeknights

by Karly Wood

We’re partial to the fajitas and the baked chicken spaghetti recipes

Busy weeknights don’t have to equal fast food, especially when you own a pressure cooker. From healthy soups to savory tenderloin and spicy fajitas, these recipes and meal prep ideas are all about Instant Pot freezer meals that will take your daily dinners from drab to fab. Get ready to add a ton to your weekly recipe rotation.

Wild Rice Soup

wild rice soup is a good instant pot freezer meal
Pinch of Yum

Pinch of Yum's wild rice soup is just what the cold weather ordered. It is easy to freeze and even easier to make (try a vegetarian version or add chicken). It's comfort food that packs in veggies, spices and a healthy dose of flavor.

Sweet & Sour Meatballs

The Salty Pot

Kid-friendly and packed with pineapple, The Salty Pot's Instant Pot sweet & sour meatballs get dinner on the table in a flash. It's simple to stow all the prepped ingredients into a bag and pull out just in time to add to your pressure cooker.

Shredded Beef Fajitas

Happy Money Saver

Happy Money Saver's recipe for shredded beef fajitas will quickly become a family fave. The meaty mixture cooks for 60 minutes in your Instant Pot and needs only a side of tortillas and lime before enjoying. 

Unstuffed Peppers

Adventures of a Nurse

Hearty and savory, these Instant Pot Unstuffed Peppers from Adventures of a Nurse are a quick one-pot meal. Rice, ground beef and peppers cook straight from the freezer for just four minutes, and dinner is done!

Apple Honey Pork Tenderloin

Meal Plan Addict

This dump-and-go freezer meal from Meal Plan Addict is great for any time of the year, but especially in cold weather months. Everyone will enjoy this savory dish; you can cook from frozen or pull out the ingredients the night before to thaw in the fridge.

Chili

Recipes From a Pantry

A fave for chilly nights or football games, this Instant Pot chili from Recipes from a Pantry is quick and to the point. Prepped meat and veggies can be thawed overnight and cooked up in just 15 minutes in your IP for a healthy and hearty weeknight meal. 

Vegetable Soup

Thriving Home

Whether you're a diehard vegetarian or just prepping for a Meatless Monday, this Vegetable Soup recipe from Thriving Home is packed with healthy ingredients no one can resist. Easy to prep, meal planning is a cinch with this tasty dinner. Get the full recipe from Thriving Home.

Cheesy Taco Pasta

Bake Me Some Sugar

Great for picky eaters and busy nights, this cheesy taco pasta dish from Bake Me Some Sugar is just what your weeknight ordered. Savory meat, adorable mini shells, cheese and lots of flavorful seasonings make this one-pot dish come together quickly. Just add a salad and dinner is done. 

Thai Chicken Thighs

Pressure Cooking Today

Are you looking for a flavor-packed dinner? Pressure Cooking Today's recipe for Thai chicken thighs is where it's at! Boneless chicken thighs and peanut sauce are just a few flavorful ingredients that can be frozen together then dumped into your pressure cooker. All you need to do is add a few fresh ingredients like green onions and peanuts.

Pasta E Fagioli Soup

Sparkles to Sprinkles

This savory pasta e Fagioli soup from Sparkles to Sprinkles is great for chilly nights. To prep, add all your ingredients except the pasta. When it's time to make dinner, just add in the pasta before cooking. 

Chicken Caesar Wraps

Foody Schmoody

This chicken Caesar wraps recipe from Foody Schmoody is perfect for a lighter meal. Frozen chicken is quickly cooked and shredded, then combined with yummy Caesar dressing before adding to a tortilla.

Taco Rice Casserole

A Taste of Madness

This tasty taco rice casserole from A Taste of Madness is such a versatile recipe. You can eat it for lunch or dinner!

Baked Chicken Spaghetti

Scrummy Lane

This baked chicken spaghetti is a delicious meal and the perfect comfort food. Get it from Scrummy Lane.

—with additional reporting by Taylor Clifton

 

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10 Tips & Tricks That’ll Get Your Kids to Eat Better

by Andie Huber
Partner Content

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Saying “you don’t have to eat it” actually works in your favor

Have a picky eater in the house? You know, the kid who only eats food in three shades of white or the kid who physically gags at the sight of anything new on their plate? There is hope—and no, it doesn’t consist of waiting for them to go to college and outgrow their food aversions. We asked doctors, nutritionists, and the like for tips on how to get kids to eat healthy(ier). See not only how you can use their techniques to get your kids to eat something other than boxed mac ‘n cheese, but which positive words will help you get there.

This article is sponsored by Sun-Maid, one of the most iconic, timeless and trusted snacks in America. With delicious yet versatile products, busy parents can make wholesome recipes that are ready to eat anytime, anywhere. Learn more about Sun-Maid here!

Things You Can Do to Get Kids to Eat Healthily

Play Grocery Store Games

Grocery store games can be a way to get kids to eat healthy
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Bonnie Taub-Dix, RDN, and author of Read It Before You Eat It—Taking You from Label to Table sees the supermarket as a giant classroom. "For example, grocery store 'field trips' allowed me to show and tell my kids that all foods can fit into a healthy diet as long as you know how to balance your plate. For older kids, ask them to compare the labels of certain products to show them how vastly different even similar-looking foods are from a nutritional standpoint."

If your kids are too young to read labels or you are just beginning your healthy-eating journey, Taub-Dix recommends playing games in the grocery store. "Play 'I Spy' in the produce aisle by asking them to pick out colorful foods that are red, green, or yellow, for example. Or have them find foods that are circular, oval, or some other shape. Spotting red foods or round foods, for example, may help kids see the food as something that's fun instead of something they'd prefer to avoid. This game can be expanded on when you go home—just unpack and use the similarly shaped or colored purchases to create simple recipes your kids can help prepare."

Make Meals Fun

weelicious monogrammed sandwiches
Weelicious

Catherine McCord, founder of Weelicious and One Potato—an organic meal-delivery kit made with families in mind—knows a thing or two about how to get kids to eat healthy foods. Her secret weapon? Making meals approachable yet fun like these monogrammed sandwiches.

Always on the lookout for the next idea to help parents in the daily meal struggle, McCord also launched the Smoothie Project Cookbook, inspired by her son when she was looking for a way to boost his nutrition. And truth be told, what kid can resist a smoothie? The best part is when McCord dropped this expert tip: "Adding frozen cauliflower makes smoothies creamy, and you don’t taste it." Your kid gets a great-tasting smoothie, and you get to sneak in some vegetables—all without your picky eater being the wiser.

Make It Sweet

adding sweetness like honey is a way to get kids to eat healthy foods
Jocelyn Morales via Unsplash

There's nothing wrong with appealing to a toddler's taste says Taub-Dix. "Think outside the pan and add something sweet to complement the taste of certain veggies. For example, saute dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or raisins along with broccoli rabe to cut its bitter taste. Or drizzle some honey on Brussels sprouts before roasting them. Adding a touch of sweetness for young palates can make vegetables way more desirable. I'm not suggesting that you spoon on sugar or add sweet ingredients in large quantities, but my whole family enjoys these additions to vegetable dishes and yours may too."

Stop the Custom Meals

kids eating healthy food for dinner
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Kai Nunziato-Cruz, a 14-year-old nutrition expert and author of Digest This Now for Kids!, (son of Dr. Liz Cruz, a Board Certified Gastroenterologist, and Tina Nunziato, a Certified Holistic Nutritionist) recommends parents stop making kids separate meals. "If the parents are eating a healthy meal, the kids need to eat the same meal. Don’t give the kids whatever they want. They will always choose chicken fingers and mac 'n' cheese over salmon and broccoli. If you don’t give them the option they might not eat dinner a few times but they will start to eat the healthier foods eventually." 

Cut the Junk

boy reaching for strawberries
Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

And if you really are committed to eating healthier (the whole family included) then it's time to cut the junk says Nunziato-Cruz who suggests parents stop buying junk food and having it around the house. "Only buy fresh fruits and vegetables for kids to snack on. They will snack on whatever is nearby. But if junk food is there too, they will always choose that instead. Don’t make it available."

Related: How to Get Picky Eaters to Eat, According to a Food Blogger

Things You Can Say to Kids about Food

"You don't have to eat it."

mom and son eating healthy food
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Registered dietitian nutritionist and founder of Kids Eat in Color, Jennifer Anderson, empowers her clients by saying, "You don't have to eat it." She says, "Instead of forcing kids to eat vegetables, I recommend telling kids, 'You don't have to eat it.' It's easy to think that forcing kids to eat food will get them to like it. What often happens instead, is that they end up disliking the food they were forced to eat. This doesn't mean 'anything goes' at dinnertime, however. It means that parents serve a balanced meal, including at least one food they know their child likes, and the child decides what to eat from what is available."

In addition to her website, Anderson's Instagram page is full of advice on getting kids to choose healthy foods, including how to incorporate dessert into meals in a healthy way and create balance.

"Let's eat together."

family eating healthy food together
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"Family meals are very successful at improving kids' eating habits," says LeeAnn Smith Weintraub, MPH, RD, and founder of HalfaCup.com, where she offers nutritional advice and counseling. "Family meals provide the opportunity for adults to model healthy eating habits and good table manners to children. Family meals are associated with better nutrition including greater consumption of fruit and vegetables as well as other academic and mental health benefits."

Of course, family meals don't have to mean just dinner. Between work and after-school activities, there isn't a lot of time left during the week for a good old-fashioned family meal at night. If that's the case, try committing to a family meal at breakfast and model the same good, healthy choices in the morning as you would at night.

"Check your belly."

picky toddler at breakfast
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We've all been there—a little voice from behind tells you they are hungry a few minutes after all the food has been put away. "Parents often struggle with getting young children to eat well at mealtime," says Weintraub. "It's challenging for some kids to sit through meals and eat what's offered to them. Then once the kitchen is cleaned up and food is put away, kids tell their parents they are hungry. Of course, this can be super frustrating for parents and caregivers."

Weintraub says parents can encourage children to eat healthy foods at meals by asking them to check their bellies before they're excused from the table. Asking how much space is left in their stomachs for food will help them learn to assess their own fullness and hunger. She says, "It's best to avoid telling kids to 'eat more' or 'finish what's on their plate,' which teaches kids to eat based on external, not internal, cues."

"It's okay to play with your food."

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Anderson, from Kids Eat in Color, loves to encourage small children to play with their food. "Small children often go through a phase of neophobia, the fear of new things. They become afraid of new foods too, and picky eating is often the result. Food that was out of season over the winter is suddenly 'new' to them! One way that we can help kids learn that foods are okay is by having them play with the food. Take the example of summer squash. Sauteed squash rounds may have been okay last summer, but this summer a toddler may be scared of it. You can ask them at dinner, 'Can you stack your squash?' Many toddlers are happy to try to stack their food. They may not eat it right away, but this is the first step to learning it is safe so that they can try it in the future."

"What food can we grow?"

mom and daughter in the garden
istock

"Getting kids involved in gardening can help increase veggie consumption. If you don't have room for a full-on vegetable garden, even encouraging your child to water herbs growing in pots on a windowsill can help your plants and child flourish while teaching a lesson about responsibility. Also, a salad or any other dish may look a lot more attractive to your child if it includes the fresh basil or parsley that they helped to nurture," says Taub-Dix.

For those without a green thumb—here are 12 easy gardening projects to get you started on your healthy-eating journey.

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Everyday Cooking During the Holidays: Goodbye Stress, HelloFresh!

by Kate Cartia

We’re getting all the everyday cooking help we need during the holidays from HelloFresh (and maybe an extra peppermint mocha)

Have you done it yet? Taken out the file folder filled with handwritten recipes? Dusted off the holiday cookbook and flipped straight to the dog-eared pages? Opened those bookmarks in your browser to make sure you have everything you need? What are we talking about? Holiday eating, of course! Or, more specifically, holiday cooking. And, is it just us, or does all of that baking, cooking, plating, and packing for the season make your day-to-day meals feel sort of…daunting? Everyday cooking during the holidays has been a serious challenge for us.

It’s is the sort of meal planning and execution that tends to be a little tricky on the best days. This time of year, add shopping, packing, wrapping, ordering, school recitals, company coming and going, decorating…we need help. And while you’ve probably heard of HelloFresh, if you’re anything like we were, you may not know just how much of a difference it can make. Frankly, we thought it sounded too good to be true. It’s not.

 

You think you know how HelloFresh works, but let's be sure.

Pick a plan. HelloFresh isn't one-size fits all, and especially as parents, that's music to our ears.

What do you prefer? Meat and veggies? Family-friendly? Fit and wholesome? Quick and easy (although, we have to say, it feels like all of their options are quick and easy). Whatever works best for you and the ones you're feeding, there's a choice that's perfect for you. There are over 100 choices each week for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and more! Oh, and if that wasn't personalized enough for you, make it your own with HelloCustom!

HelloCustom is now included in all plans and gives you the option to change, swap, or upgrade 12+ sides and proteins every week. That means a menu that's uniquely your own with each delivery. Your kid's ever-changing likes and dislikes are covered.

Finish off your picks by selecting the number of people gathering around the table and the number of recipes (full meals) you want each week and you're set. If you need to cancel, change meals, or skip a week? It's no problem.

If you thought that was easy...

Your meal choices show up on your front porch like magic. Okay, so that's a little bit of an exaggeration, but we're not sorry. Full meals are dropped at our door and all we have to do is bring it inside. That feels pretty magical to us.

Maybe you're already used to getting your weekly groceries delivered, but this is next-level. No grocery delivery we've ever used portions and divides up our ingredients into their own labeled bags for us to easily slide into the fridge until we're ready to use them. 

And now for the fun part, chef!

Since HelloFresh ingredients go straight from the farm to your door (we can't say that about the grocery store, can we?), you know you're opening something, well, fresh. Each pre-portioned meal comes with divided ingredients, easy-to-follow recipe cards, and clear nutritional info.

And remember that part where you didn't have to fight your way through the store and dig each individual ingredient out of fridge? That means that we enjoy cooking so much more now. We're able to relax, know we have what we need, and enjoy the whole process.

And the whole time, you're saving money!

We loooooove saving money. And we love it even more during the holidays. And we extra-super love it when we can save money and get the best for ourselves and our families. HelloFresh is 25% cheaper than take-out. Cheaper than grocery shopping. Starting at $7.99 a meal, HelloFresh is a wallet-friendly way to eat well and have fun while doing it.

Did we mention the whole "sustainability" thing?

HelloFresh takes sustainably really seriously. They're diligent in sourcing their ingredients from responsible suppliers, and source renewable electricity for all their facilities. HelloFresh also works hard through community impact programs to provide fresh meals to people experiencing food insecurity. 

Oh, and you can play a part! Almost all of HelloFresh's packaging is recyclable, down to the ice packs. There's even instructions on exactly how to do it, too, so you don't have to work really hard to do do this part, either! 

There’s a reason HelloFresh is America’s #1 meal kit with the most 5-star reviews. It’s been voted #1 four years running in USA Today’s 10 Best Reader’s Choice Awards. And it’s easy (the word of the day) to see just how HelloFresh can make your days so much better. Right now, get 16 free meals + 3 free gifts when you try HelloFresh!

Give yourself back time, money, and love of the kitchen again. We think that’s the kind of gift that’ll last all year.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of HelloFresh.

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14 Table Manners to Encourage Better Behavior

by Beth Shea

This list of classic table manners is great for formal holiday gatherings

If you remember your parents raging against elbows on the table when you were a kid, you’re not alone. While these memories may now seem old-fashioned, having good manners will never go out of style. Use the holiday season as an opportunity to help your kids to practice proper etiquette (if they’re old enough to understand the concept). From putting a napkin in their lap to clearing their plate off the table and everything in between, here are the table manners that’ll encourage the best behavior when dealing with a more formal dining situation

meal delivery services in Dallas
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1. Come to the table with a clean face and hands.

Bite-sized etiquette: Especially given the fact that kids will be sharing serving utensils with others, a quick wash really won't hurt.

2. Place your napkin in your lap before eating.

Bite-sized etiquette: Little kids can fold their napkins in half to make them smaller and keep them in place. Having something in the kids' lap is a great reminder not to lick food off their fingers!

3. Unless told otherwise, wait until everyone is seated and served to begin eating.

Bite-sized etiquette: This rule varies based on how formal or casual the meal is, whether it's buffet-style or if the kids are actually old enough to wait. Some hosts will also insist you start eating immediately if the food is hot (so it doesn't go cold while you wait). If they aren't sure, teach kids to show consideration by asking if they can start their meal once served or whether they should wait.

Related: This Is How I Teach My Child Simple Manners (You’re Welcome)

using utensils properly is good table manners
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4. Try to hold your cutlery properly and (for older kids) cut your food with a fork and knife.

Bite-sized etiquette: Once your kids are old enough (toddlers get a hall pass!), teach them how to cut their food using a fork and knife and show them how to bring food up to their mouth instead of leaning over to eat. Here's a guide to fork and knife etiquette.

5. Don't talk while there's food in your mouth.

Bite-sized etiquette: This seems simple enough, but even adults sometimes have trouble waiting to say something until they've swallowed their food. Remind kids to chew with their mouths closed and not to burp with abandon.

6. But do talk to everyone at the table.

Bite-sized etiquette: It's fun to have a one-on-one with someone, but not always when there are two, three, or more people at the table. Encourage kids to engage with everyone sitting down to dine, whether it's just mom or dad or includes others like grandparents, family, or friends.

Hannah Tasker via Unsplash

7. Don't play with your food.

Bite-sized etiquette: With so many hand-held foods in the mix on a regular dinner night (think tacos, fries, nuggets, pizza, hard-boiled eggs, etc.), kids may find it tempting to play with their meals. Let young diners know they should stick to eating their food instead of making it double as a toy (you can make exceptions for littler ones and picky eaters who are learning to eat new foods).

8. Double-dipping is a no-no.

Bite-sized etiquette: To avoid sharing germs and to practice common courtesy, don't double-dip! Instead, if you spot salsa, ranch, guacamole, or hummus, serve yourself the amount you want onto your own plate and then dip as much as you want into that individual portion. Think it's no big deal to plunge that bitten chip into the guac a second time? Read this to see why even science says you shouldn't do it!

Related: Why Family Dinner Conversations Are So Important & How We Make Them Matter

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9. Ask for out-of-reach food to be passed to you.

Bite-sized etiquette: Avoid leaning over the table to access an out-of-reach item. Say "Please pass the peas" and wait for the person closest to the dish to send them your way.

10. Don't complain about the food.

Bite-sized etiquette: This is a huge one! Every parent has cooked a meal only to be met with moans and groans once served. Appreciation and respect for what's prepared starts at the home table. Kids may be a guest at grandma's or a friend's house, and they need to learn to be grateful and have good manners for what is on the table (Note: this advice is in the absence of food allergies or diet restrictions—in this situation, kids should always voice what they can and can't eat).

Dan Gold via Unsplash

11. No electronic devices (or toys) at the table.

Bite-sized etiquette: We all do it, but when screens at the table aren't appropriate, practice what you preach and don't allow smartphones, electronic devices, or toys anywhere near the dinner table. Also, refrain from answering phone calls, emails, or texts until the meal is over. Recent studies show that almost half of parents share fewer meals with their families today than they did as kids, and "57% of parents agree that even when they eat together as a family, some of their family members are distracted by technology."

12. Stay at the dinner table until everyone finishes eating or ask to be excused (then clear your plate).

Bite-sized etiquette: Family dinners should include everyone enjoying each other's company until the last person has finished eating. If the kiddo needs to leave the table before then, they should ask for permission to be excused. At the meal's end, have kids clear their plates and offer to clear others if necessary, then end the meal by saying thank you.

Related: From Manners to Empathy, 5 Skills That Tech Might Be Eroding

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13. Leave inappropriate talk at the door.

Kids may think potty humor is hilarious, and you might even be forced to swallow a giggle sometimes, but the dinner table isn't the optimal place to hear jokes about flatulence.

14. Say thank you for the meal.

Bite-sized etiquette: Someone, whether it was you or a family member or friend, put a lot of effort into cooking the food, and kids should recognize and give props to the chef.

 

 

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