Try some of these easy African food recipes for your next family dinner night

There are more than 50 countries in Africa, and each one has its own flavorful cuisine. Often hearty in nature, many African food recipes rely heavily on plants, seeds, meat and rice, which make them family friendly. From Fufu to meat pies, we’ve rounded up a handful of dishes that are perfect for introducing your kids to the African culture.

African Chicken Stew

a kid-friendly African food recipe
Canadian Cooking Adventures

Known as West African Chicken Stew or Nigerian Red Chicken Stew, this meal from Canadian Cooking is warm and filling. You can make it as spicy as you'd like, and serve it alongside rice or pounded yam.

Kefta Briouate

Try this Kefta Briouate for a kid-friendly African food recipe.
My Moroccan Food

Spiced mincemeat is at the center of this Kefta Briouate from My Moroccan Food. This hand pie made with phyllo dough is traditionally fried (this recipe saves a few calories by baking) and then topped with icing sugar and ground cinnamon.

Baked Chicken Jollof Rice

A chicken dish that's a great African food recipe.
Recipes from a Pantry

Time for a new spin on your regular chicken and rice recipe! This traditional recipe uses Jollof rice, which is a blend of tomato puree and rice and adds savory chicken and veggies. Recipes from a Pantry gives you the easy details for this baked recipe that makes dinner a breeze.

Nigerian Meat Pie

A popular African food recipe for meat pies.
Sims Home Kitchen

If this dish reminds you of a British Cornish Pasty, you'd be right! Sims Home Kitchen breaks down the uber kid-friendly meal, made with basics like flour, butter, potatoes, and minced beef.

Related: 11 Simple Greek Recipes for Families

West African Fufu

Chef Lola's Kitchen

Need a side dish for your soup? Try Fufu! The three-ingredient recipe from Chef Lola's Kitchen is easy to whip up and allows you to eat your meal without utensils.

West African Peanut Soup

Cookie Kate

While admittedly not an authentic soup, this West African-inspired dish from Cookie + Kate is just as tasty and perfect for vegetarians who wouldn't be able to enjoy the traditional meat version. Peanut butter, onions, and collard greens start this tasty soup, which comes together in less than 45 minutes and can be enjoyed immediately.

Moroccan Shrimp Tagine

Karen's Kitchen Stories

A new take on shrimp and loaded with flavor, this Moroccan dish is one everyone will enjoy. Karen's Kitchen Stories' recipe uses jumbo shrimp, tomatoes, garlic and fennel and suggests a good crusty bread so you don't waste any of those delightful juices.

Related: 11 of the Best Kid-Friendly Indian Food Recipes

Nigerian Street Beef Skewers

SubSahara Post

Nigerian Suya is common street food, and now you can make it at home! Choose between beef, mutton, lamb, or chicken, then roll in a special suya spice made of peanuts, ground ginger, and chili. SubSahara Post has an easy and delicious recipe.

South African Milk Tart

Simple Living Creative Learning

Don't forget about dessert! This milk tart from Simple Living Creative Learning uses pantry basics and a store-bought tart shell to make this recipe easy.

 

 

 

 

If your kids already love noodles, it could be time to foray into Vietnamese food! Characterized by fresh herbs, fruit, vegetables, rice noodles and flour, with very little oil and dairy, Vietnamese cuisine is kid-friendly and also great for people with a gluten-intolerance. From crafting the perfect Banh Mi to sipping on flavorful Phở, these recipes are simple to make and will expand your family’s palate in no time.

Banh Mi

Rasa Malaysia

This Vietnamese sandwich from Rasa Malaysia is one of the most popular, especially because of its crusty baguette and flavorful meat. You can make it using pork or chicken and use traditional pickled carrots and may as condiments, or change to cater to your picky eaters.

Phở

Gimme Some Oven

Chilly night? Time for some Phở! While this traditional soup can take quite some time to prepare (it's all about the broth!), this recipe from Gimme Some Oven gives some easy shortcuts that gets in on the table in 45 minutes. Kids will love putting in their own veggies and meat, while cutting their noodles with a pair of scissors.

Bún Chả Giò

A Spicy Perspective

If you're opting for a lighter dinner packed with vegetables, this Vietnamese salad bowl is perfect. A Spicy Perspective has a simple recipe that combines marinated pork, a homemade dressing, noodles and fresh greens. Even better? Pair with some spring rolls to round out the meal.

Vietnamese Pan-Fried Ground Pork Patties

Vicky Pham

Even picky eaters won't be able to turn away from this delish recipe from Vicky Pham. Void of the usual lemongrass and fish sauce that is normally prevalent in Vietnamese recipes, these pan-fried pork patties pair great with rice.

Bo Kho

Pups with Chopsticks

Calling all meat lovers! Vietnamese beef stew will quickly become your fall go-to meal thanks to Pups with Chopstick. Similar to regular beef stew, this version kicks it up a notch by using lemongrass, star anise and cinnamon to give it a brand new flavor. Serve with noodles or dip in a baguette––you can't go wrong with either!

Bánh xèo

Hungry Huy

These "sizzling cake" Vietnamese crepes are great for family dinners. A savory version, Hungry Huy shares a crispy Bánh xèo (pronounced "ban say-oh") recipe involving pork, shrimp, greens and tons of flavor.

Bun Ga Nuong

Carlsbad Cravings

This fancy sounding dish really comes down to Vietnamese noodles with Lemongrass chicken. The fun-to-look-at meal involves simple ingredients that are fresh, healthy and can be customized for your fam. Head to Carlsbad Cravings for this tasty recipe.

Cha Gio

vietnamese recipes
Rasa Malaysia

The best part of Vietnamese Spring Rolls? You can customize them however you want! This particular recipe from Rasa Malaysia takes pork, shrimp, crab meat, carrots and mung bean noodles all wrapped together then fried. Don't forget the spring roll sauce!

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

Gimme Some Oven

Sauté, grill or bake: there's no wrong way to enjoy this lemongrass chicken from Gimme Some Oven. You'll be whipping up your own fragrant marinade, cooking and serving up the tastiest dinner of the week!

Banh Bong Lan

Run Away Rice

Vanilla sponge cake anyone? This delicious recipe from Run Away Rice is sweet and simple, with a light vanilla flavor. Chances are, you already have everything you need to make Banh Bong Lan!

 

 

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Our new series, Tiny Birth Stories, is aimed at sharing real-life stories from our readers to our readers. In just 100 words or less, we’re bringing you the raw, the funny and the heartwarming stories you’ve lived while bringing babies into the world. Here are five stories that will have you laughing, crying and nodding your head in solidarity. 

From the moment your baby arrives in the world, you have a lot to think about. Safety 1st has products to ensure the safety and well-being of children in cars, homes, and everywhere in between—giving you one less thing to stress about. Learn more about the highest standards of baby safety established by Safety 1st.

I pushed my baby back inside by Alexandra 

My first labor nightmare was at 32 weeks: I looked down to see tiny feet between my legs. “Not yet, sweet girl. It’s too early,” I pushed her back inside. … Iris Elizabeth was born precipitously IRL the next day. My usual AM Braxton Hicks turned into rapid-fire contractions, lodging my tiny transverse babe into my birth canal. Fully effaced, I dilated from 2-to-8cm in 15 minutes, and dramatically broke my waters on the way to L&D admitting. Before I could process what was happening, I was in recovery from emergency C, with a preemie in the NICU. I lived my nightmare, but a year later, my sweet girl is my best dream come true.

Baby number 4 at home by Sarah B.

I was expecting my fourth baby. My two oldest daughters were home from school the morning that I started contractions at 8am. We watched Mamma Mia 2 and I made a big pot of stew, pausing to grip the counter in between chopping. Hours later at 10pm, I was draped over my yoga ball with my music playing its rhythmic beats. My water broke and I knew the baby was coming.. I yelled, “wake up the girls!” My oldest jumped onto the bed alongside the midwives. I heard my baby cry and my daughter said, “It’s a girl!”

My Covid silver lining by Rachel B. 

A warm June day, my contractions started at 4:30pm. Hanging with family, things accelerated quickly when my water broke around 7pm. By the time we got to the hospital around 8:30pm I was already 6cm dilated. This being my first child, I was preparing for a long birth and needing an epidural, but my son had other plans. BAM, I was 10cm dilated and ready to push! He graced us with his presence at 10:28pm. My sweet Covid silver lining! Such a gem he has been.

Nothing was prepared, and that’s ok by Allison C. 

I was due with my 2nd baby on Thanksgiving day. My first had been induced (eventual Csection) at 41 weeks, so, even through my pregnancy had been tough (subchorionic hematoma, appendectomy, and an international move to name a few!), I was shocked on 10/30 to stand up out of bed and feel my water break! We hadn’t packed a bag or prepped any baby things, yet. We ran around trying to gather a few things we would need, had my sister come stay with our daughter, and went to the hospital. I was hoping for a VBAC, but labor never really began. Around 10 am on 10/31, we opted for a repeat csection. Our beautiful Halloween boy was born without any preemie complications. He was a whopping 7lb14oz at 35 weeks 6 days! His birth taught me that you don’t need every little thing perfect for delivery and a new baby. A lot of prayers and a lot of love (and some wonderful family to get your house ready while you are in the hospital) are enough! Halloween is a little more fun every year now!

No time to make it INTO the hospital by Amber H.

Anxiously awaiting the arrival of our third baby, I woke up at 4:30am to strong contractions. We finally started the 10 minute drive to the hospital, when we were about two stop lights away I felt her head slip between my legs. I told my husband, “she’s crowning!” He pulled up to the hospital and asked me if I wanted a wheelchair, to which I replied, “No! Her head is out come pull my pants down.” He came around to my side of the car where I was sitting with my feet up on the dashboard, he pulled my pants down and to his surprise he saw 1/3 of her head out! After another contraction she was out and I pulled her onto my stomach. Soon after a L & D nurse came rushing down with a wheelchair and blankets. From start to finish I only labored for 2 hours and 15 minutes, much different than my previous labor of 22 hours. I was in shock for a few hours afterwards because it all happened so quickly. All in all her birth was beautifully calm and a unique story that suits our daughter so well.

This post is sponsored by Safety 1st, the leader in home safety for families. Learn more.

 

 

You’ve heard the warning about having too many cooks in the kitchen, but at Tukwila’s new food hall, it’s a good thing. Spice Bridge features eight different women-owned food vendors with different cuisines to share. Not only is it a great place for tasty food, but consider it a cultural hot spot for you and your crew as well. Read on for the delish dish on this true melting pot!

Meet the Chefs

Spice Bridge Owners

Operated by the nonprofit organization Global to Local, the Spice Bridge food court helps aspiring entrepreneurs launch and build food businesses one delicious dish at a time. Since there are just four stalls, they rotate offering a new dining experience Tuesdays through Sundays. And when these chefs aren't busy cooking for you, they're busy providing no-cost meals for seniors and families in need. Ready to take the kids but not sure what to try? We asked Global to Local's Program Director to share her top kid-friendly picks for each spot.

Who's cooking: From top left to bottom right, meet Nasrin Noori of Jazze's, Theary Ngeth of Theary Cambodian Foods, Adama Jammeh & Oumie Sallah of Afella Jollof Catering, Monica Di Bartolomeo of Seatango, Liyu Wirdaw of WUHA, Mwana Moyo & Batulo Nuh of Moyo Kitchen, Krizia Cherece of Wengay's Kitchen and Caroline Musitu of Taste of Congo.

Taste of Congo

Want to try something you have never tasted before? You've gotta try Taste of Congo, the only Congolese food business in Washington! The beef stew is seasoned with garlic, nutmeg and onion and stewed with tomatoes, carrots and golden potatoes. The grilled mackeral is big enough for two and with enough seasoning to go around too. Also popular is the chicken mayo and fried plantains. You'll recognize the garlic and paprika used to flavor it, but consider the rest of the spice mix the chef’s best kept secret.

Kid-approved dishes: We think your kids will love the yellow rice and beef stew.

Operating: Tue., Sat. & Sun.
Online: tasteofcongo

Afella Jollof Catering

Stop by Afella Jollof Catering for authentic Gambian/Senegalese cuisine. Nosh on popular choices like the Veggie Samosa, which is not only tasty, but easy on the wallet. It's seasoned with the chef’s special marinade and the veggies are stuffed into flaky pastry dough. Heartier appetites will appreciate the Chicken Kebab Combo that includes jollof rice and veggie samosa or a beef pastell.

Kid-approved dishes: Stick with simple and familiar when you order chicken kebabs and samosa for the kids.

Operating: Tue.-Thurs.
Online: afellajollof

Seatango

Seatango

Hailing from Argentina, Seatango offers a variety of artisan empandas and sweet pastries made from scratch. Here you’ll find facturas and alfajores alongside special coffees and teas.

Kid-approved dishes: While the sweet treats are a gimme, pair them with a savory empanda for the kids.

Operating: Wed.-Fri.
Online: seatangofoods.com

Moyo Kitchen

Moyo Kitchen

This unique restaurant offers a fusion of Somali, Kenyan and Tanzanian dishes all inspired by Zanzibar, the world’s spice capital. It's a place where you'll find flavorful (and familiar) faves like Tandoori Chicken and Sambusa, alongside new-to-you taste sensations like Samaki Wa Kupaka (salmon or golden pompano floating in a coconut sauce) and Sukuma (kale stew served with cornbread). Most of the dishes are served with pilau rice or chapatti for you to enjoy.

Kid-approved dishes: It's stuffed sambusa and pilau rice for the win.

Operating: Fri.-Sun.
Online: moyokitchen

Wengay’s Kitchen

Wengay's Kitchen

Enjoy authenic Filipino food that is not only cooked with love, but also prepared with traditional ingredients when you visit Wengay's Kitchen. If you're looking for a special dish, try the Lumpia and Lumpiang Sariwa, eggrolls that are either fried or wrapped in a crepe. The Pancit Bihon noodle and veggie stir fry is an easy meatless option, and the Bicol Express, that features creamy chicken cooked in thick coconut milk, is a satisfying option if you're not going veg.

Kid-approved dishes: Order lumpia or pancit bihon for your cuties when you visit.

Operating: Tue., Wed. & Sun.
Online: foodinnovationnetwork.org

Theary Cambodian Foods

Theary Cambodian Foods

Serving healthy, authentic Cambodian/Khmer cuisine, this food booth has lots of must-trys. The beef back ribs and veggies over rice found in the Soup Go Me Ga Tunk are a fall comfort food fave, while the Me Ga Tunk, sauteed meat and eggs mixed with seasoned vegetables, and the Cambodian Ka Ry Stew, with its specially spiced beef back ribs really stick to your insides. Are you hungry yet?

Kid-approved dishes: Nothing pairs better with a chilly fall day and your kiddo than Soup Go Me Ga Tunk.

Operating: Thurs.-Sat.
Online: foodinnovationnetwork.org

WUHA

WUHA

WUHA offers fast food Ethiopian style! The food options here include both authentic Ethiopian dishes and as well as American foods cooked with Ethiopian spices, serving as a gateway to more traditional dishes. Enjoy the Black Lentil Veggie Sandwich served with oven-roasted potatoes, Beef Roast Sandwiches and Injera Rolls available in beef, vegetarian and wheat-free options.

Kid-approved dishes: Injera rolls are always a hit with kids, as is eating with their fingers!

Operating: Tue., Wed. & Sun.
Online: foodinnovationnetwork.org

Jazze’s

Jazze

Chef Nasrin Noori cooks up Afghan food made from organic, locally grown ingredients. If you're looking for some stand-outs, we suggest the Boulanee, a pastry filled with potatoes, leeks, pumpkins or carrots served up crisp with a side of yogurt for dipping. The signature fusion Pulled Lamb Sliders are an easy pick and the oven roasted chicken in the Pilau-E-Murgh pairs nicely with an Afghan mixed salad.

Kid-approved dishes: Because it's hard to go wrong with fresh-made savory pastries, Boulanee is sure to be a hit with your kiddos.

Operating: Thurs.-Sat.
Online: foodinnovationnetwork.org

Good to know:
1. Entrée prices range from $8-16, so you can feed the whole fam.

2. Currently, Spice Bridge is only offering takeout meals due to the COVID-19 safety measures. Families can find outdoor dining seating options and a grassy area nearby if the weather is nice.

3. Free parking is available between Spice Bridge and the Tukwila Library.

4. While you’re there, take time to explore. The grounds are dotted with interesting sculptures and a giant globe fountain too.

5. While it’s too late in the season to enjoy it this year, this unique food court sits next to the Tukwila Village Farmers Market, open every Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. from mid-June through mid-October. This is a great place for families too, as special activities for kids are often featured.

Spice Bridge
Tukwila Village
14200 Tukwila International Blvd., Ste. 141
Tukwila, WA

Hours: Tue.-Sat., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (closed on Mon.)

—Jeffrey Totey (all photos courtesy Denise Miller for Global to Local)

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Photo: Stratford School

For many, Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday—in part because it is relatively less commercial than many holidays, but more so, because of its focus on rituals that bring families together and inspire a bit of introspection. Part of the Thanksgiving tradition is joining hands around the table and sharing what—or whom—we are thankful for. Social skills are built as even the youngest members of the family are encouraged to consider their blessings, express their gratitude, and hear the same from others. This ritual builds and reinforces positive cultural norms in an entirely natural and authentic setting.  

Another entirely authentic path to introspection that leads to increased empathy and feelings of gratitude is by harnessing the power of stories—stories of characters who model exemplary behavior or who themselves are introspective. Stories “show” rather than “tell,” grounding abstract concepts like gratitude and perseverance in examples of real people who rise above adversity, benefit from the generosity of others, discover beauty in places or cultures unlike their own, or discover the pleasure of even small acts of generosity. Such are the stories we have recommended for reading this long Thanksgiving weekend. The book selection is intended for children from kindergarten through middle school, but you might enjoy them as well. Conversations with children about these stories can extend the exercise of “giving thanks” beyond Thursday’s holiday dinner.

Here is a list of some of our favorites:

Grades Kinder to Second

When Grandma Gives you a Lemon Tree by Jamie L.B. Deenihan, Illustrated by Lorraine Rocha
An upbeat take on the old fable, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Charming, bright illustrations of a young girl who realizes by the end of the story that material possessions aren’t nearly as special as family, community, and the spirit of giving. Look for the book’s companion by the same author/illustrator team When Grandpa Gives You a Toolbox.

Thank You, Omu by Oge Mora
Mixed-media collage art along with patterned papers and book clippings bring this story of sharing to life. The scrumptious scent of grandmotherly Omu’s stew wafts out her apartment window. A little boy inquires after the delicious smell, followed by a police officer and more until Omu’s generosity means that she has no stew left for dinner. But everyone returns, this time to share new ingredients for stew. The little boy tells her “Don’t worry, Omu. We are not here to ask…We are here to give.” The book speaks to the importance of kindness and not taking others for granted. Read the book together, then spend time as a family creating your own version of Omu’s stew!

Grades 3-4

The Boy Who Dreamed of Infinity: A Tale of the Genius Ramanujan by Amy Alznauer, illustrated by Daniel Miyares
In this beautifully illustrated picture book, we meet Srinivasa Ramanujan, a brilliant mathematician from early 1900’s India who grew up with a misunderstood passion for numbers. His story is especially compelling because when he was young, one hundred years ago, the world was big and communications were slow. “Back then, if you had an idea—even a rare and wonderful idea—on one side of the world, people on the other side might never know.” Ramanujan found it difficult to connect with other mathematicians so that he could continue to learn and work with scholars. He had to set out and explore the world, and eventually, through his persistence and patience, found Cambridge. His ideas have helped shape areas of science that were not even discovered in his lifetime: computers, black holes, and string theory.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: The Poetry of Mister Rogers by Fred Rogers, Illustrated by Luke Flowers
This GoodReads Choice—Best Picture Book of 2019 will help any child feel thankful to be alive and appreciate the world. Rogers sang many of these poems on his PBS show, but the words are so meaningful as mini-lessons about figuring out life as a child. Flowers’ illustrations are energetic and feature characters from the iconic television show as well as vignettes of young children. After reading this book together, consider watching the show or the Tom Hanks movie as a family to learn more about Mr. Rogers.

Grades 5-8

Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park
Newbery Medalist Park explores prejudice on the American frontier in this sensitively told story about a multiracial girl in 1880’s Dakota Territory. Great for fans of the Little House on the Prairie series who want to read about a different perspective. The detailed description of daily frontier life will leave young readers thankful for what they have. After reading this together, consider researching customs of the Lakota tribe, as discussed by the author in her note at the end of the book.

Race to the Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse
In this fantasy inspired by Navajo legends, the main character, Nizhoni, discovers that she has powers that other middle schoolers don’t have. Reading about other cultures’ mythologies is a way to expand children’s imagination, empathy, and offer a new way of seeing their world. This is a stunning tale of adventure and family that brings the history and stories of the Navajo people to a contemporary setting, with characters who feel real. There is a glossary of Navajo terms as well as a note from the author to keep readers interested and ready to research more! Part of the “Rick Riordan Presents” imprint of books for middle-grade readers, each one in the series draws from mythology and folklore.

Keira Pride is the Head Librarian at Stratford School, the leading independent private school founded with a vision of creating a unique, multi-dimensional, educational foundation for children. As Stratford's Head Librarian, she manages the library services department across campuses throughout Northern and Southern California. 

If you didn’t already know, The Tiny Chef is the world’s tiniest herbivore chef. He loves whipping up teeny meals as the host of The Tiny Chef Show. Cheffy just released his new book, The Tiny Chef and da mishing weshipee blook, with Penguin Random House.

According to the book’s description: “This debut picture book adventure finds the Tiny Chef at home in his kitchen on a beautiful day, but not all is well inside the Chef’s stump. He’s misplaced his favorite recipe book—the one he uses to cook all of his best dishes, like his famous stew! What is the Chef to do?! He practically tears apart his house looking for it. He gets so frustrated he throws a tantrum. But then he does what we all have to do sometimes when we’re upset. He counts to ten. He goes for a nice long walk. And that’s when inspiration strikes! A little rosemary, some mushrooms, and the Chef might have a brand-new recipe after all. And that’s when his recipe book finally appears. Right where he left it—now isn’t that weird?”

Los Angeles vegan restaurant Little Pine has crafted a recipe for the Chef’s famous stew, which will be featured on the endpapers.

Cheffy is very excited that his friend RuPaul will be narrating the audiobook with him. RuPaul helps share Cheffy’s missing “Blegaful Shew” recipe at the end  in hopes that parents and kids will cook it together after reading the book

The Tiny Chef said, “Moognesh me im shtill en blabsholute shock Wu wead da blook wif me. blits twuwy a dweam come twu and I can neber fank my fwend Kweesten Blell enuf fo makin et blappen.”

Thanks to Cheffy’s friends, Kristen Bell and Imagine Entertainment, The Tiny Chef Show will soon be on the big screen. Bell said, “The Tiny Chef adds a refreshing dose of good to the universe, and for that, I am thankful.” 

The Tiny Chef and da mishing weshipee blook is on sale now for $18.99.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Penguin Kids via YouTube

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If you spend time around babies and toddlers, you can see cognitive empathy growing as their brains develop. 

Sometimes called “perspective taking,” cognitive empathy (one of three types of empathyis the ability to imagine how another person is thinking in a given situation.

Our capacity for cognitive empathy evolves: A 1-year-old may soothe a friend by handing her his own favorite toy. Once he is over 2, he may opt to go and get a sad friend the toy that she likes best, more able to note and respond to her emotions based on his knowledge of what would best soothe her. 

Eventually, this capacity enables us to communicate effectively with and support the needs of other people.

Here are 5 easy ways to help even our wee ones start to develop the skill.

1. Support pretend play. Pretend play is the way that children learn to take different perspectives. When a child makes believe that he is a mama bird, a monster, or a firefighter, he starts to explore what it must be like to be that other person or creature. Even though pretend play starts quite simple, early experiences with pretending form strong roots of perspective-taking that grow into more sophisticated cognitive empathy.

We do NOT need to be our child’s constant playmate in order to help them get more pretend play. Instead, there are a few, simple things we can do: give kids time to pretend; set up your home environment to inspire pretending; and give kids invitations to pretend.  

Give them time: Giving time requires a few agreements. First, you need to slow down and stay in one place long enough for kids to play (per research, that is 30 minutes or more). Second, kids need plenty of time to play to “catch fire,” and we have to allow their visible engagement level to rise and fall as they play. If they look “disinterested” that’s OK—lulls are part of play, and the less we intervene, the more likely they’ll learn to start, drive and revive their own play.

Set up your home environment: When we say environment, we mean both the objects (toys, clothes, loose parts), the space you designate for play, and how you arrange the objects in your house or yard. If you can get outside, take advantage of nature’s inspiring places to run, hide, climb, and an endless array of compelling objects. Indoors, use items to spark pretend play. An old bedsheet can become a cape, a cave, or a boat. A bucket can become a hat, a vessel for stew, or a steel drum. 

Give them an invitation: Sometimes just the prompt to “go play” is invitation enough. We can also invite children into their own play by doing the following types of things, then stepping back and letting them run with it:

  • Asking “I wonder” questions, like “I wonder what you could make in an outdoor kitchen?” or “I wonder what we could use to color this white sheet?”
  • Tell stories.
  • “Let’s pretend:” When you do have time, ask kids to pretend to be an animal that you see every day or a creature that they absolutely love.

2. Rewrite the golden rule. Doing unto others as you would have done unto you sounds virtuous, but it’s not empathetic at all. This new rule has given us a great starting point from which to engage in conversations that our kids can lead while we scaffold them with the chance to stop, reflect on the other person, and try to take their perspective.

3. Make animal allies. Education expert and inspiring advocate for outdoor learning David Sobel, reminds us, “Cultivating relationships with animals, both real and imagined, is one of the best ways to foster empathy during early childhood.” Because early childhood is a time in which children do not fully differentiate self from other, reality from fantasy, it makes them particularly able to identify with animals. So pretending to be animals not only supports perspective taking, it turns animals into allies, connecting children to other species in profound and lasting ways.

4. Show kids how you think about what other people are thinking. Show consistent curiosity about how others think.

  • As you are reading stories, ask questions like, “Why do you think she is doing that?” “What do you think he is hoping?” and “What was he thinking?!” Do this for characters who could fall in both good guy and bad guy buckets, making sure to present both in 3-D.
  • Be certain to do this for real people too, both children and adults. When you can, leave open the possibility that even someone who is frustrating may have reasons for acting in ways and also has wonderful qualities, valid feelings, etc.
  • Little kids are still learning. When a child does something that is not ideal socially, talk with our kids about how they are learning, like all of us. If you can, include something that you admire about that child, too.

5. Work hard to understand bias. We all carry bias into the interactions we have with others. If we truly want to nail cognitive empathy, we need to start by reflecting on how our own experiences and identity impact how we think and act. Where do we have hidden bias?

From this place of curiosity and self-reflection, we can start to work hard to better understand how experiences and identity impact those around us and inform their thoughts, motivations, and actions. This is life’s work.

Our world is not an equitable place, and aspects of identity including race, ethnicity, socioeconomics, nationality, and gender drastically impact the way we each experience, think and act in the world. The more we each can learn about this and start to better identify the biases that block us from understanding where others are coming from, the better we’ll be able to model true cognitive empathy for our kids. And, the better able we’ll be to take real action to address inequities that erode our communities.

This post originally appeared on Tinkergarten.

After 18 years as an educator, curriculum developer and school leader, Meghan has her dream gig—an entrepreneur/educator/mom who helps families everywhere, including hers, learn outside. Today, Meghan serves as co-founder and Chief Learning Officer of Tinkergarten, the national leader in outdoor play-based learning. 

If you’re having slow cooker envy, it ends here. From Cream of Mushroom chicken crockpot to chicken parmesan crock pot, we have easy, executable chicken crockpot recipes that you can brag about later. Consider us, and your crock pot, your best friends for making family meals that everyone will devour. Scroll through the below chicken crock pot recipes recipes to get your next meal plan.

Honey Garlic Chicken

A bowl of honey garlic chicken made in a slow cooker
Hello Spoonful

Hello Spoonful's slow-cooker chicken takes just six ingredients and is pretty much fail-proof when you follow these simple instructions

Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken

Weelicious

Cook up some tropical flavors to get you through the holidays with this sweet and sour chicken dish. Soy, honey and ginger are just some of the ingredients that go into creating a meal that keeps its flavor and works great for lunch and dinner. Head to Weelicious for the recipe.

Slow-Cooker Corn Chowder

The Seasoned Mom

There’s nothing better than a bowl of soup on a chilly day, and this corn chowder from The Seasoned Mom totally fits the bill. Filled with chicken, bacon and potato, it’s delicious and hearty enough to satisfy everyone in your crew. Click here for the full recipe. 

Classic Chicken Stew

Mindy's Cooking Obsession

There's something about the word "stew" that invokes chilly autumn nights and full tummies. This classic chicken stew recipe will is definitely on the top of the comfort foods list. Get the full recipe here

Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken

Mozzarella stuffed chicken is served on a plate after being cooked in a crock pot
Queen of My Kitchen

Get something fancy and protein-packed on the table with as little effort as possible with this delicious recipe from Queen of My Kitchen. Find out how to pull this off yourself here

Crock Pot Seasoned Chicken with Peppers & Onions

The Seasoned Mom

This slow cooker recipe from The Seasoned Mom is sure to find a place in your meal rotation. There are lots of ways to remix it—serve it with pasta or rice, or make it into a cheesy sandwich. Plus, if you’re an Instant Pot fan, it can be put to use with this recipe

Get the whole recipe here

Honey Crispy Chicken

Crockpot Gourmet

Skip the takeout the next time you’re craving Chinese food—this crispy chicken recipe from Crockpot Gourmet is much healthier, and it’s sure to be a hit with even picky kiddos.

Mushroom Chicken

CookingwithKaryn

For a simple but comforting meal, try this quick recipe, adapted from Easy Crock Pot Recipes:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1/4 c flour (swap cornstarch for flour to make it gluten-free)

1 box of sliced mushrooms

Salt, pepper and paprika

Method:

1. Rinse chicken breasts. Sprinkle salt, pepper and paprika on BOTH sides. Place in crock pot.

2. Mix other ingredients together. Add to crock pot. Cook on LOW 6-8 hours.

3. Serve over pasta or rice if desired.

Crock Pot Chicken from Heaven

crock pot chicken recipe
Stock the Crock

For an easy dinner, nothing beats relying on your crock pot. This crock pot dinner recipe—from Phyllis Good’s new book, Stock the Crock—is truly a slice of heaven. Convenient, delicious and adaptable to Paleo diets, we’re betting this recipe will soon become a part of your nightly rotation. Grab the recipe by clicking here.

Soy Sauce Chicken

Sodanie Chea via Flickr

This soy sauce chicken recipe couldn’t be simpler—you’ll only need five ingredients. Served with a side of rice and some broccoli, a delicious dinner will be on the table in the blink of an eye. Grab the recipe by clicking here.

Roasted Chicken

joerandazzo.com via Flickr

Believe it or not, you can roast an entire chicken in the crock pot, and it’s actually pretty easy. This recipe from Our Family Eats makes for a delicious and juicy chicken. Get the recipe by clicking here.

Chicken Posole

James Cohen via Flickr

Treat the family's taste buds to a yummy batch of posole. The best part? The leftovers get better and better over the next few days (so making lunches will be a breeze!). To get the recipe, click here.

Chicken Teriyaki

alanagkelly via Flickr

Teriyaki is always a kid favorite, and this recipe from Our Little Acre is no exception. Made with just five ingredients, it’s easy to throw together in the crock pot. Snag the recipe by clicking here.

Lemon Chicken Pitas

Leah’s Thoughts

Put anything in a pita, and our kids are on board. This Greek-inspired recipe from Leah’s Thoughts is bound to be a hit. Topped with tzatziki sauce, tomatoes and onion, you’ll be happy to come home to this meal. To get the recipe, click here.

Butter Chicken

One Lovely Life

Your littles will love this dairy-free butter chicken from One Lovely Life. The creamy, flavorful sauce, paired with rice or quinoa, is sure to have the whole fam asking for seconds. To snag the recipe, click here.

Taco Soup

Elsie Hui via Flickr

Skip the tortillas and make this tasty taco soup to switch things up. Beans, veggies and chicken make up the base of the soup, and you can top it off with shredded cheese, chips or guacamole. To grab the recipe, click here.

Chicken and Dumplings

Robert Judge via Flickr

Southern-inspired chicken and dumplings make the perfect comfort food. This version is super easy to throw together, thanks to a refrigerated biscuit shortcut. To grab the recipe, click here.

Bacon-Wrapped Apple Barbecue Chicken

MomsWhoThink

Just in case barbecue chicken wasn’t tasty enough already, this recipe from MomsWhoThink ups the ante by wrapping it in bacon and pairing it with apples. This one is bound to become a weeknight favorite. Click here to get the recipe.

Chicken Tacos

Erin Lem

Make any night Taco Night! This recipe is foolproof, and kiddos can choose their own toppings, from sour cream to salsa to shredded cheese. Snag the recipe by clicking here.

Rosemary Chicken with Butternut Squash

GI 365

There's nothing quite like the combo of butternut squash and rosemary to make a meal seem less than ordinary. The secret to making this savory dish from GI 365, is adding a can of soup to make it both creamy and satisfying without a lot of extra work. Click here to get the recipe.

Chicken Parmesan

Baking & Creating with Avril

This simplified take on chicken parm from Baking & Creating with Avril is bound to be a hit with picky kiddos. It skips the breading process, making it a healthier and quicker version than the original. To find out how it’s made, click here.

Honey Soy Chicken

Shared Appetite

For an instant family fave, make this Asian-inspired recipe from Shared Appetite. Savory soy sauce and tart pineapple juice come together to make a super tasty sauce for the chicken. Drooling yet? Grab the recipe by clicking here.

Tuscan Chicken and Beans

Served over rice or pasta, this recipe adapted from Moms with Crockpots makes for a lightning-fast weeknight meal. It’s a smart way to use those cans of beans and tomatoes hanging out at the back of your pantry, too. Click here to get the recipe.

Chicken Verde

the little red house via Flickr

For a Mexican-inspired dish that comes together in no time, you’ve got to try this chicken verde from A Little Yumminess. Tomatillo salsa is the secret ingredient here to add a hint of spiciness and give the chicken its green color. To grab the recipe, click here.

Gluten-Free Sweet and Sour Chicken

Melissa Doroquez via Flickr

Instead of ordering takeout, try out The Family Chef’s gluten-free take on a favorite Chinese dish. There are veggies in the mix too, so you can just make a side of rice for a balanced and tasty meal. Get the recipe by clicking here.

Green Chicken Chili

Slow Cooker Gourmet

For a fun twist on chili, try this fantastic recipe from Slow Cooker Gourmet. With salsa verde, fresh corn and white beans, it’s super hearty and delicious topped with sour cream or tortilla chips. Grab the recipe by clicking here.

Chicken and Gravy

Sarah Olson’s The Magical Slow Cooker: Recipes for Busy Moms

This filling dish is more prep than fuss thanks to this foolproof recipe from Sarah Olson’s cookbook. Served on top of mashed potatoes and bread, it doesn’t get much more comfort food than this. Find out how it’s made by clicking here.

Chicken Ragu

Whitney Bond

Switch up your usual pasta dish by making this delish ragu from Whitney Bond. The sauce gets better and better as it simmers, making it the perfect slow cooker meal. Click here to get the recipe.

Chicken Pot Pie Stew

If you’re craving chicken pot pie but don’t have the time to whip up a pie crust, this genius recipe from Paper/Plates Blog is your solution. Filled with all the good stuff (think chicken thighs, veggies and lots of gravy), comfort food has never tasted better. To get the recipe, click here.

Chicken with Balsamic and Tomatoes

Mom’s Kitchen Handbook

Pop some tomatoes, balsamic vinegar and chicken in the crockpot with a few herbs and you’ll come home to an amazingly hearty meal. We love this recipe from Mom’s Kitchen Handbook, and chances are your family will feel the same way. Click here to get all the details.

Chicken with Grapes

thebittenword.com via Flickr

Chicken and grapes might sound like a strange combination, but this recipe from Dash marries the two perfectly. Add simmered tomatoes, chickpeas and butternut squash to the cumin-spiced chicken, and you’ve got a complex and delicious meal. Get the recipe by clicking here.

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When it comes to making dinner, no one knows the struggle more than author, nutrition coach and chef, Sarah Adler. The woman behind Simply Real Health is committed to making no muss, no fuss dinners that are healthy and easy. That’s where her Veggie & Red Lentil Curry Stew comes in. With less than 10 ingredients, this family-friendly meal can be made three ways and is the perfect way to sneak in those veggies.

Veggie & Red Lentil Curry Stew
Makes 6-8 servings

Ingredients:
2 cups red lentils
5 cups water
1 large bag frozen broccoli (or 3-4 cups fresh)
1 large bag frozen butternut squash (or 3 cups fresh)
1 yam, cubed
5 carrots, roughly chopped
1 TB red curry paste (I used Thai Kitchen)
2 tsp sea salt + 1 tsp pepper

Directions:
For a IP: Add all ingredients to an Instant Pot, close tamper to high pressure and set for 30 minutes.

If making in a crockpot: add all ingredients in and cook for 4 hours high or 6 hours low.

If making traditionally in a stock pot: sauté veggies first, then add lentils, curry, s + p and liquid and bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat until lentils are cooked and broken down, about 15-20 minutes.

For more recipes from Sarah check out her cookbook, Simply Real Eating which is available on Amazon for $19.89.

––Karly Wood

 

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Want to try your luck and get your kids to eat like the Irish on St. Patrick’s Day? From a warm, savory stew to sweet, soft snack bars, we found eight easy Irish food recipes you can enjoy with your little leprechauns. Sláinte!

Traditional Irish Potato Boxty

Grits & Pinecones

The perfect recipe for St. Patrick's Day breakfast, Grits & Pinecones Irish Potato Boxty will become a family fave. The savory breakfast is made from a combo of mashed potatoes, raw grated potatoes, eggs, milk, flour and baking powder and enjoyed piping hot. Don't forget the green onions! Get the recipe here.

Dublin Coddle

Bound by Food

Though not a St. Patrick's Day-specific recipe, Dublin Coddle is still a tasty way to celebrate the day. The one-pot dish involves sausage, potatoes and onions and is a hearty meal for the entire fam. Get the recipe here.

Irish Lemon Pudding

Meg's Everyday Indulgence

A twist on what we Americans normally think of as pudding, Irish Lemon Pudding is a bit more like cake and baked custard––but no less delicious. Made with ingredients you probably have on hand, this citrus-flavored dessert is the perfect way to top off your St. Patrick's Day feast. Get the receipe here.

Colcannon

Eating Richly

There's no need to skip the potatoes this St. Patrick's Day! Colcannon is an Irish mashed potato recipe that involves cooked cabbage and onion and is a great way to squeeze in some veggies while the kids aren't looking. Check out Eating Richly for an easy and tasty recipe.

 

Irish Soda Bread

Pixabay

St. Patrick’s Day wouldn’t be quite the same without Irish Soda Bread, and lucky for you, blogger Alexandra Hedin makes hers in the form of a super yummy scone. Serve one to your little leprechaun for breakfast, or do a batch up proper for an after-school tea party. Either way, these will be a favorite with your whole crew. Get the recipe here.

Hearty Irish Stew

Lori Lange via The Recipe Girl

Chock-full of carrots, potatoes, and tender meat: You really can't go wrong with a good Irish stew. Super satisfying no matter the weather, Recipe Girl has an easy version you can re-create at home.

Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage

Swampkitty via Flickr

When you think food on St. Patrick’s Day, you think corned beef and cabbage. This version is perfect for your busy life, because all you have to do is place the brisket in the slow cooker, top with the veggies and walk away. Bonus: this version swaps out carb-loaded potatoes for extra veggies! Here’s where you’ll find the ingredients.

Fine Fettle Flapjacks

Imen McDonnell via Farmette

In Ireland, flapjacks don’t come served with maple syrup and strawberries. Instead, they come in the form of a tasty, crunchy-yet-chewy oat bar. You can use any sort of oat or grain, from millet to chia seeds, and if you want to go dairy-free, opt for coconut oil instead of butter. We are drooling over the version Imen McDonnell features on her blog, Farmette, and in her Irish cookbook, The Farmette Cookbook.

Green Macaroni & Cheese

Weelicious

So, your picky eater won’t touch corned beef and cabbage with a four leaf clover. Well, whip up a batch of green mac ‘n’ cheese for a little St. Patrick’s Day cheer, instead. Filled with good stuff like spinach, peas and lots of cheese, when you serve up this dish, there’s still a chance to say Erin go Bragh! Get the recipe here.

—Gabby Cullen & Karly Wood

 

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