If you’ve ever asked your kids “How was your day?” and received what sounds like a grunt or the ever-popular “OK,” you’re not alone. Instead of letting family chats fall to the wayside, consider using conversation starters for kids during your next family dinner. Sure, gathering everyone for a meal might seem impossible, but it’s more important than ever; studies have shown that families that eat together often have healthier diets, increased communication, and overall emotional stability.

And, engaging your kids in conversation has other huge benefits. It helps them learn important social skills, boosts vocabulary, raises self-esteem (especially when you listen to their responses), and could lead to them opening up about things that might be bothering them. So, if you’ve come this far, congrats! The next step? Figuring out what to talk about at the table. That’s where our fun conversation starters for kids come in handy.

How to Use Conversation Starters

Time your questions.

If your kid is hungry, tired, or both, it might not be the best time to engage in elaborate table talk. Use conversation starters with kids when you aren’t rushing to get to practice, there isn’t homework to be finished, and everyone is in a good mood.

Listen to their answers.

So, their curiosity is piqued, and they’re thinking hard about what to say. You need to be present in the moment and listen. Kids’ self-esteem gets a boost when they know their parents are listening.

Don’t forget to ask open-ended questions.

Consider using conversation starters for kids that require more than yes or no answers. If kids (or anyone) have a chance to elaborate on their answers, that can open the door to more interesting conversations.

47 Conversation Starters for Kids

1. Can you guess the ingredients in the meal tonight?

2. What do you like better: waking up in the morning or going to bed at night?

3. Would you rather be a giant rodent or a tiny elephant?

4. What would you do if you had a million dollars?

5. If you had to eat a worm, how would you cook it?

6. What is a weird habit that you have?

7. If you had this week to do over again, what would you do differently?

8. Would you rather go without television or junk food for the rest of your life?

9. If a genie granted you three wishes, what would they be?

10. If money were no object, where would you like to go on vacation?

family laughing over conversation starters for kids during dinner
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11. Where is the most interesting place you have ever been to?

12. Would you rather swim with stingrays or explore the jungle?

13. If you could make any vegetable against the law, which would it be?

14. Would you rather not hear or not see?

15. Would you rather wrestle a lion or fight a shark?

16. If you were sent to live on a space station for three months and were only allowed to bring three personal items, what would they be?

17. If you had your human body but the head of an animal, what animal would you pick?

18. What is one favorite thing you do by yourself?

19. If you could read one person’s mind, whose would it be?

20. What two things do you consider yourself to be very good at?

family eating dinner at a restaurant
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21. Do you believe in extraterrestrials or life on other planets?

22. What is your favorite smell? What memory does it remind you of?

23. What is the weirdest thing you have ever eaten?

24. If you could be one character from a book for a day, who would it be and why?

25. What's the last thing that made you laugh?

26. Tell me about something that made you happy today.

27. What does a perfect day look like to you?

28. If you could have any animal for a pet, what would it be?

29. If you could be in the movie of your choice, what movie would you choose and what character would you play?

30. Would you rather wear your pants backward or shoes on the wrong feet?

family sharing dinner and conversation starters for kids
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31. What did you do to help someone else today?

32. What makes our family special?

33. What three words would you use to describe yourself?

34. What is your favorite song?

35. Would you rather be able to talk to animals or know how to speak every language? 

36. If you could be a sound, what would it be? 

37. If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would you pick? 

38. Who is your favorite movie character? 

39. If you had to make dinner tomorrow night, what would you make? 

40. If you were a parent, what rules would you have? Are they different from ours? 

41. What is your earliest memory? 

42. If you could only have three toys, which three would they be? 

43. If you could pick your name, what would it be? 

44. List three things you would do for a Yes Day

45. If you had to pick, would you live in the snow, near the beach, a city, or the country? 

46. What's something you always forget to do? 

47. If you could be a professional athlete, which sport would you pick? 

If you’re looking for real giggles, check out our favorite jokes for kids, and for other fun table talk questions, check out these would you rather questions for kids and would you rather questions for teens.

 

When it comes to the season of the rabbit, we’ve always got a few good puns up our sleeves. These Easter jokes are ready to make your little bunnies laugh, whether you want a joke-a-day or just a day of jokes, these jokes for kids are the perfect way to celebrate the season. Don’t forget to check out our favorite spring jokes for kids, and riddles for kids!

Easter Bunny Jokes

What kind of bunny can't hop?

A chocolate bunny. 

What do you call a bunny with lice?

Bugs Bunny!

Where does the Easter Bunny like to eat out?

IHOP.

How does the Easter Bunny travel all over the world?

Via hareplane. 

How do you send a letter to the Easter Bunny?

Via hare mail. 

What do you call a Transformer Bunny?

Hop-timus Prime. 

How does the Easter Bunny stay in shape?

Eggs-ercise 

What does a bunny like to dance to?

Hip-hop. 

What do you call a bunny with money?

A millionhare. 

What is a rabbit's favorite jewelry?

A 24-carrot gold ring. 

What do you call a rabbit with a cold?

A runny bunny. 

What did the rabbit say to the carrot?

I'd like to get to gnaw you. 

What do you call a bunny who tells jokes?

A funny bunny! 

Why did the Easter Bunny go on strike?

He wanted a better celery. 

Easter Egg Jokes

Happy Easter sign
Priscilla du Preez via Unsplash

What did one egg say to the other egg?

Heard any good yolks lately?

What do you call a zen Easter egg?

An ommmmmmlet. 

Knock knock!

Who's there?

Wendy. 

Wendy who?

Wendy Easter Egg Hunt gonna' start?

What did the egg say when the Easter Bunny told a joke?

You crack me up. 

How many Easter eggs can you put in an empty basket?

Only one. After that, it's not empty anymore. 

What stories do Easter eggs tell their children?

Yolk tales. 

What did the Easter Egg ask for when he went to the hair salon? 

A new dye job. 

Why did Humpty Dumpty have a great fall?

To make up for his miserable summer.

—reader submitted by Kaci Y.  

Funny Easter Jokes

happy kids love Easter jokes
iStock

Why are you so tired in April?

Because you just finished a March. 

How does Easter always end?

With an "r."

Why did the jelly bean go to school?

Because he really wanted to be a Smartie. 

What kind of vegetable is angry?

A steamed carrot! 

Would February March?

No, but April May. 

Where does Easter take place every year?

Where eggs marks the spot!

How do you know carrots are good for your eyesight?

Have you ever seen a rabbit wearing glasses?

Knock, knock!

Who's there?

Sherwood.

Sherwood who?

Sherwood like to have as much Easter candy as you!

Where did the vampire keep his Easter candy?

In his Easter casket.

 

These Trader Joe’s appetizers are the easiest way to look like a gourmet chef in 15 minutes or less

Whether you are getting together with your family or having a mom’s night sans kids, you’ll definitely need some amazing appetizers to whip up this holiday season. Trader Joe’s has easy appetizers ready to go in their frozen section along with easy-to-make recipes from dips you can only find this time of year. These Trader Joe’s appetizers will save you tons of time during the holidays this year and will impress the pickiest of guests.

Mini Veggie Samosas

Mini veggie samosas are a popular Trader Joe's appetizer

A popular Trader Joe's appetizer, these two-bite samosas are filled with a curry-infused mixture of peas, carrots, potatoes, lentils, and onions. Wrapped in a flaky phyllo crust, the scent alone will have guests wandering toward the appetizer table. 

Fried Olive Bites

These tiny bites only come out at the holidays and they are filled with cheese for the perfect bite on your appetizer buffet. 

Brie en Croute

If you require an excuse to eat a brie en croute, we will give you one. This frozen Trader Joe's appetizer is only available during the holidays which means you have to grab at least one. 

Red Pepper, Cranberry & Walnut Dip

This seasonal dip is a new Trader Joe's appetizer in 2022.

Sweet, spicy, and tart, this seasonal dip from Trader Joe's will make a statement at holiday parties this year. Add it to your charcuterie board and pair it with a crostini or veggies! 

Related: Check Out These Trader Joe’s Frozen Foods with a Cult Following

Herbaceous Cheesy Bites

We love these flavorful bites that pack a nice crunch. These have just the right amount of spices to balance out the cheesy goodness. 

Chicken & Chimichurri Empanadas

Bake these up in your oven and serve with your favorite salsa and you will have some happy guests at your next family party. 

Pastry Bites with Feta Cheese & Caramelized Onions

We love these any time of the year as they are easy to crisp up in your oven and are perfectly bite-sized. 

Crispy Vegetable Pouches

These only come out around the holidays and are a delicious, vegetable-forward option. 

Korean Pancakes

Trader Joe's

Perfect for brunch, these cinnamon-filled Korean pancakes are flaky, chewy and irresistible. Kids and adults will love each and every bite.

Find them in the freezer aisle.

Coconut Shrimp

These are a kid favorite and perfect when served with the Thai Sweet Ginger Sauce for dipping. 

Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons

These are great pan-fried or boiled and the kids will definitely gobble them up. 

Breaded Fried Ravioli

Breaded fried ravioli are a yummy Trader Joe's appetizer
Trader Joe's

You had us at "fried!" Kid-friendly and easy to whip up, these fried ravioli are made with semolina pasta, and five kinds of cheese that includes ricotta, mild Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Asiago and Parmesan.

Related: 16 Easy Trader Joe’s Recipes That Take 15 Minutes or Less

Kibbeh

Kibbeh is a Trader Joe's appetizer
Trader Joe's

Hearty and flavorful, this Kibbeh appetizer will become a family fave. Made with ground beef, onions and seasonings, these meatballs pair well with almost any dip.

Find for just $4.79 in the freezer section.

Chicken Soup Dumplings

While these are technically an appetizer, we see nothing wrong with whipping up the entire box for dinner! Each one of these chicken soup dumplings is made with chicken, onions, green onions and a flavorful broth and can be found in the freezer section.

Mini Quiche Duo

Mini Quiche Duo are a classic Trader Joe's appetizer

Perfect for brunch or lunch, this box of mini quiche duos includes both mushroom and Swiss cheese and bacon and sweet onion options. Bake until golden brown, and enjoy thoroughly.

Each box is just $3.99 in the freezer section.

Related: 20 Things from Trader Joe’s That Picky Eaters Will Love

Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Forget making your own spinach artichoke dip, and snag this frozen version instead! All it takes is a simple warm-up before you're enjoying it with tortilla chips. This is a nice change to the traditional onion dips you find at family get-togethers.

You can't beat the $2.99 price tag on this dip!

This one-pot recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser

We couldn’t resist this simple Tomato Basil Pasta recipe from Apron Strings—it’s literally made in one pot! Even better, it’s got tons of healthy veggies, making sure your little ones get the nutrition they need. Sounds like a dinner winner. For even more easy dinner ideas, check out our collection of 30-minute meals.

 

Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe Ingredients:

12 ounces linguine pasta
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with liquid
1 large sweet onion, cut in julienne strips
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
2 large sprigs basil, chopped
4 1/2 cups vegetable broth (regular broth, not low sodium)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Parmesan cheese for garnish

Cooking Method:

1. Place pasta, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and basil in a large stock pot. Pour in vegetable broth. Sprinkle on top of the pepper flakes and oregano. Drizzle top with olive oil.

2. Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a low simmer, keep covered, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes or so. Cook until almost all liquid has evaporated – leave about an inch of liquid in the bottom of the pot–but you can reduce as desired.

3. Season to taste with salt and pepper, stirring pasta several times to distribute the liquid in the bottom of the pot. Serve garnished with parmesan cheese.

Recipe courtesy Apron Strings

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

 

This Japanese noodle soup recipe is easy to make and hearty enough to make a meal

Scallions and fresh ginger spice the broth, while carrots, mushrooms, and noodles make a hearty base in this Japanese Vegetable Noodle Soup recipe. Your little chef will love squeezing lime juice into this flavorful soup, served alongside orange slices.

Ingredients for Japanese Vegetable Noodle Soup

64 ounces low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 1-inch piece fresh ginger
2 cups bok choy, sliced, or 2 cups Napa cabbage, sliced
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
2 carrots, sliced on the diagonal
8 16-ounce extra-firm tofu, drained and cubed
6 ounces ramen noodles, flavor packet discarded
4 scallions, thinly sliced
1/2 lime, juiced
1/4 cup cilantro, mint or basil, chopped
6 oranges, cut into wedges, for serving

Method:

1. Adult: Place the broth, soy sauce, and ginger in a large pot over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil.

2. Together: Add the cabbage or bok choy, mushrooms, carrots, and tofu, stirring after each addition. Cook for about 2 minutes.

3. Together: Add the ramen noodles, taking care to discard the flavor packet. Reduce heat and keep the soup at a low boil. Keep at a low boil for 3 minutes more, or until the ramen is just cooked.

4. Kid: Add the scallions, lime juice, and fresh herbs to the pot. Cook for about 1 minute more, or until all the ingredients are heated through.

5. Together: Divide the soup into 6 bowls, place on plates with the orange wedges, and enjoy!

This Kids Cook Monday recipe comes to us from Aviva Goldfarb of The Scramble.

These Laxota recipes will appeal to everyone at your table this holiday season

November is Native American Heritage Month and it’s an important opportunity to recognize and honor the original inhabitants of North America. Help kids (and their grown-ups) make that connection by filling their tummies with indigenous cuisine. These Native American recipes are also great for cooking with kids. We caught up with Chef Kimberly Tilsen-Brave Heart of Etiquette Catering in Rapid City, SD for some mouth-watering menu items that incorporate traditional Lakota ingredients.

“As the original inhabitants of this land, it is important to teach all children the significance of indigenous foods, history, and existence,” says Chef Kimberly Tilsen-Brave Heart. “We all reside upon the ancestral lands of indigenous people.”

With full recipes below, Chef Tilsen-Brave Heart has curated a special menu for Native American Heritage Month and beyond. The following mouth-watering dishes incorporate ingredients like pumpkin and bison, which are major food staples for the Lakota people. You’ll also find foods like cranberries and rice that are also indigenous ingredients.

Magic Pumpkin Squash Soup

Magic pumpkin squash soup is a Native American recipe from the Lakota nation.
Etiquette Catering

Ingredients:

  • 1 large butternut squash

  • 1 tbsp. garlic powder

  • Kosher salt

  • Black pepper

  • Olive oil

  • 1 stick of butter

  • 1 medium yellow onion

  • 1 can organic pumpkin puree

  • 2 cups coconut milk

  • 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable stock

  • Roasted pumpkin seeds (for topping)

Instructions:

  1. Roast a large peeled and cubed butternut squash at 425 degrees for 20 minutes.

  2. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp of garlic powder, sprinkle kosher salt, and cracked black pepper

  3. Toss with olive oil and put in on a baking sheet before putting in the oven

  4. 1 stick of butter melted with a chopped medium yellow onion, sprinkle with some salt until translucent.

  5. Add 1 can of organic pumpkin puree

  6. Add 2 cups of coconut milk

  7. Add 4 cups of chicken broth or vegetable stock

  8. Add the roasted butternut squash

  9. Simmer for 30 minutes

  10. Then blend with an immersion blender

  11. Top with roasted pumpkin seeds

 

Related: 10 Ways to Honor Native American Heritage Month with Your Kids 

Wild Rice, Cranberry, and Bison Stuffed Mushrooms

Etiquette Catering

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground bison

  • 1 lb Italian sausage

  • 3 tbsp. butter

  • 1 yellow onion

  • 6-8 baby portabella mushrooms

  • Qtr. cup dried cranberries

  • 1 cup wild rice {optional: purchase wild rice from: https://redlakenationfoods.com}

  • 2 cups bone broth or vegetable stock

  • Olive oil

  • Kosher salt 

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

  2. Melt 3 tbsp. of butter with a half-chopped yellow onion Sauté

  3. Wash and clean 6-8 baby portabellas remove stems and chop add to the butter and yellow onion

  4. Add qtr. cup of dried cranberries

  5. Add 1 cup of wild rice, and continue to saute all together (you are popping the wild rice, so it will become fragrant)

  6.  Add 2 cups of bone broth or vegetable stock, lower heat, and cover to simmer; set timer for 25 minutes

  7.  In another pan saute  2 tbsp of butter and the other half of your chopped yellow onion, cook until translucent

  8. Add 1 lb of ground bison, 1 lb of Italian sausage, and 1 tbsp of garlic 

  9. Cook until brown over medium heat 

  10. Add wild rice and bison mixture together

  11. Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle kosher salt over portabellas 

  12. Stuff with bison wild rice mixture

  13. Bake for 15 minutes; serve warm

Related: 13 Children’s Books That Celebrate Native American Cultures & Authors

Bison Stew

bison stew is a Native American recipe from the Lakota nation.
Etiquette Catering

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs buffalo meat

  • 3-4 tbsp. olive oil 

  • 1 tbsp. garlic powder

  • 2 tbsp. kosher salt

  • 1 tsp. black pepper

  • 1 tsp. paprika

  • 1/2 tsp. turmeric

  • 3-4 bay leaves 

  • Mirepoix (chopped onions, carrots, celery)

  • 6-8 cups of beef broth/stock or water

  • 6-8 russet potatoes

Instructions:

  1. Braise 2 lbs of Buffalo meat (1-inch cubes) with half an onion (fine chop), in a warmed stockpot with 3-4 tbsp. olive oil 

  2. Spice 1 tbsp. garlic powder, 2 tbsp. kosher salt, 1 tsp. black pepper, 1 tsp. paprika, 1/2 tsp. turmeric, and 3-4 bay leaves 

  3. After browned, add Mirepoix (chopped onions, carrots, celery), and a can of diced tomatoes 

  4. Add 2 cups of water or stock/broth and simmer on medium-low heat for 30-45 mins or until tender. (Stir occasionally, more water or stick/broth may be needed) times will vary with the size of the meat and location

  5. When meat is tender add 6-8 cups of beef broth/stock or water and bring back to boil 6-8 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces or bigger 

  6. Cook an additional 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender 

  7. Remove from heat and let stand for 10-15 minutes, serve

Related: 7 Places to Visit to Responsibly Experience Native American Culture

Buffalo, Cranberry, and Wild Rice Meatballs with Blackberry Wojape

Etiquette Catering

Ingredients:

Meatballs

  • 1 lb Buffalo (Can be substituted with beef)

  • 1/4 lb Italian Sausage

  • 1 cup Wild Rice

  • 1/2 cup Yellow Onion

  • 3 cups of Chicken Bone broth

  • 1/2 cup Rehydrated Cranberries

  • 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce

  • 1/4 cup Breadcrumbs (optional)

  • 1 egg

  • 1 tsp. Salt

  • 1 tsp. Garlic Powder

  • Dash of Paprika

Blackberry Wojape 

  • 1 cup Berries

  • 1 cup Sugar

  • 1 1/2 cups Water

Instructions:

Meatballs

  1. Clean wild rice with cold water 

  2. Saute wild rice with 1/2 cup of yellow onion and some oil for 5 minutes, allowing the rice to gently pop

  3. Add in 3 cups of bone broth per 1 cup of wild rice

  4. Add in rehydrated cranberries, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes 

  5. Add in 1 cup finished wild rice to buffalo 

  6. Add 2 tbsp. of Worcestershire sauce

  7. Add 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs (optional) 

  8. Add 1 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. garlic powder, and a dash of paprika 

  9. Place meatballs on a baking sheet with parchment paper and bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes or until internal temp is 165 degrees

Blackberry Wojape

  1. Add into a pan: 1 cup of berries (of your choosing), 1 cup of sugar, and 1 tbsp. of cornstarch and 1 1/2 cups of water 

  2. Render down for about 10 minutes

  3. Drizzle blackberry wojape on top of the meatballs and enjoy 

 

 

 

Mealtime with toddlers can sometimes feel like a game of chess, especially when vegetables are on the table. At times you may find yourself dodging carrots catapulted by knights, while other times an all-out stalemate leaves both players exhausted and unsure of the next move. And while walking away from the game might seem like the easiest way out, we assure you there are plenty of creative ways to feed your toddler greens that don’t involve a complicated strategy.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, toddlers should be consuming 3-5 servings of vegetables per day (roughly ¼ cup portions). But since the growth-rate slows and a need for independence starts around age 1, the AAP suggests approaching mealtime with flexibility and variety to give your child choices while they learn about different foods and avoid putting pressure on your child that could result in a negative relationship with food.

While flexibility is key, there are a few basic rules that parents should aim to enforce and model.

Stay Seated During Meals

When it comes to young children, safety during mealtime is imperative to prevent choking hazards, so the staying seated during meals rule should be followed whenever possible. It’s also a great way to help children focus on their meal, learn table manners and participate in quality family time.

Adhere to a Regular Meal and Snack Routine

Children thrive on routines that give them a sense of security while helping them learn what is expected from them each day. So just like a bedtime routine helps a child understand when it’s time to wind down for the day and prepare for a restful night’s sleep, meal and snack routines establish healthy eating habits that help children recognize hunger cues and the nutritional needs of their bodies.

photo: iStock

Eat from All Food Groups

Meals should be balanced and offer foods from all five food groups. And more importantly, toddlers should be encouraged to eat from all food groups at every meal. It might seem like you’re being flexible to let your child skip an entire food group at a meal, and sure, that may be okay here and there, but too often may risk your child not getting enough of an important set of nutrients.

Even equipped with these rules, it can be tough to put them into play when your child is refusing to eat their greens.

Having recently parented two toddlers, I know first-hand how confusing and frustrating the ups and downs of their dietary preferences can be. Some days toddlers may devour an entire head of broccoli, while on others, they look at it with total disgust. That leaves parents with two choices: Fight against it or join the game and get creative—and perhaps a little sneaky, too. I chose the latter and am sharing a few tried and tested recipes to help you incorporate greens into your toddler’s diet.

  • This 4 ingredient Spinach Mango Banana Green Smoothie may have leafy greens in it, but masked by bananas and sweet mangoes, your toddler won’t be the wiser.
  • These Fruit and Veggie Bug Snacks may not be hiding the veggies from your toddler, but your toddler will have a hard time resisting veggies that look this cute, especially when they get to help prepare them.
  • When you’re in a rush, getting as many food groups as possible into one bite can be a lifesaver, so it doesn’t get much easier than these Mini Broccoli Cheddar Bites that your toddler will love.
  • Sorry, potatoes don’t count as a “green,” but cauliflower most definitely does, and switching out the spuds in these Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes with Bacon and Cheese will trick any toddler into eating cruciferous veggies.
  • We don’t know one toddler who would turn down a popsicle, so feel good about offering these bright Fruit and Veggie Popsicles to your little one this summer
  • Kids will love dipping these familiar-shaped Carrot and Zucchini Fries into a side of ranch or hummus.
  • Pasta is almost always a hit with toddlers, so the next time you’re serving up spaghetti and meatballs, top it with this delicious Hidden Vegetable Spaghetti Sauce (use this sauce for pizza, too!).

I hope that these tips and recipes will get you on your way to successful eating habits with your toddler!

—Candace Nagy

 

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If you ask a kid who has the hardest job on the planet, they might say something like, “Fireman, Wonder Woman, and the president.” Touché. Being the president isn’t for the faint of heart; only those with superhero qualities need apply. The fun facts below prove that presiding over the Oval Office takes a special (and sometimes quirky) kind of person. Read on to check them out!

iStock

1. Barack Obama: I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream?
Who doesn't love a scoop of ice cream on a hot summer day? Our 44th president, that's who. He worked in a Baskin-Robbins ice cream shop as a teenager and now can't stand ice cream.

2. Bill Clinton: You've Got Mail
While sending and receiving email is now a run-of-the-mill thing in most households, Bill Clinton was the first person ever to send an email from the White House.

3. Gerald Ford: Paging Frank Underwood?
Seemingly out of a Hollywood (or NetFlix) script, Gerald Ford was the first person to be both vice president and president without ever being elected by the public. How? He was appointed vice president when Spiro Agnew resigned from his post, and then he succeeded to the presidency when Nixon resigned due to the Watergate scandal.

4. Martin Van Buren: Born in the USA  
While it is currently a law that you have to be born in the U.S. (or a US Territory) to become the President, Martin Van Buren was the first President who was actually a US Citizen. All previous presidents were born British subjects.

5. James Garfield: America's Got Talent  
Most people only speak or write one or two languages at a time. James Garfield could write Latin with one hand and Greek with the other hand simultaneously. #coolpartytrick

fun facts about George Washington, the person in this picture
unsplash

6. George Washington: Party of 1?
George Washington was the only president that wasn't affiliated with a political party? Washington was neither a Republican nor a Democrat.

7. Thomas Jefferson: Lights, Camera...
Today, the president is on television or making a speech almost daily, but did you know that Thomas Jefferson had such stage fright that he only gave two speeches during his entire presidency?

8. John Tyler: Big Poppa  
John Tyler was the father of 15 (!!!) kids, more than any other president.

9. Teddy Roosevelt: That's Going to Sting a Little in the Morning  
An excellent hunter and athlete, Roosevelt was notorious for having a tough guy image. Once, while giving a speech, he was shot in the chest during an assassination attempt. He continued AND FINISHED the speech with the bullet still lodged in his chest.

10. James Madison: Hey, Down Here!
For some reason, presidents are characteristically tall figures. James Madison was definitely an exception. He only stood 5 feet 4 inches and never weighed more than 100 pounds.

Ern M. via Yelp

11. Abraham Lincoln: Try, Try, and Try Again
Lincoln lost five separate elections before he became President of the U.S. (Never, ever, ever give up!)

12. Herbert Hoover: Hide and Seek Champion
Herbert Hoover gave all the White House servers strict instructions to hide from him whenever he passed by. Those who failed to do so were fired. Yikes.

13. Chester Arthur: Night Owl
We all know that being the president means you probably have a lot on your mind. Arthur always went for late-night walks and rarely was in the bed before 2 a.m.

14. Dwight D. Eisenhower: Pancakes, Dave?
One of the most important positions in the White House now is being the official White House chef. However, Eisenhower was a skilled chef himself and was known for cooking delicious vegetable soup, steaks and cornmeal pancakes.
 
15. Harry S. Truman: Is it Sean? Stillman?
Harry S. Truman's name is very distinguished. Mainly because of the 'S.' that is included with his name. Did you know Truman doesn't actually have a middle name? It's just the letter 'S'.

 

—Ayren Jackson-Cannady
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Between decorating, sending cards, getting gifts and finding time to make family memories, you have a lot on your plate this holiday season. To make gift giving a little easier, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite items that little ones will love! Check out these mom-tested holiday picks when you’re making your list (and checking it twice) this year:


Melissa & Doug Examine & Treat Pet Vet Play Set

With help from this pretend vet set, our pet lovers can go the extra mile to nurse their (stuffed) animals back to health.

$32.49 BUY NOW

Squishville Mall

Your littles will be thrilled with this new playset that opens up a whole world of huggable fun and includes two of everyone’s favorite Squishmallows: Pei the Rainbow-Banded Panda Pegacorn and Rhiannon the Pink Fox—in a 2-inch size.

$29.99 BUY NOW

Solar System Sidewalk Chalk Set

A universally adored gift! We love how artsy explorers get a peek into the colorful core, layers and crusts of each planet (plus Pluto!) after multiple uses.

$43.00 BUY NOW

Melissa & Doug Take-Along Shape Sorter Baby and Toddler Toy

A shape sorter that isn't a massive plastic or wooden contraption that takes up too much room? Yes, please.

$24.79 BUY NOW

Hello Nature Activity Book

We love encouraging our kids to go wild—in this case, drawing, coloring and recording outdoor adventures in a beautiful nature scrapbook.

$18.99 BUY NOW

Eco Finger Paint

When our kids are inevitably covered in from head to toe, we prefer it be with these adorable paints, made from organic fruit and vegetable extracts.

$18.99 BUY NOW

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