Everyone has a favorite Starburst flavor and many agree the pink ones reign supreme. Starburst announced the All Pink pack will move from a limited-edition product to a permanent offering. To celebrate, the brand has created limited-edition Starburst All Pink Self Care Kits ahead of International Self-Care Day on Jul. 24.
“Our Pink Starburst has been a fan favorite flavor for years and has led to the viral ‘I Am A Pink Starburst’ meme, which personifies feeling special and treating yourself, and others, accordingly,” said Justin Hollyn-Taub, Director, Fruit Snacks. “We’re thrilled to make Starburst All Pink a permanent offering in our brand portfolio to help ensure our fans feel as special as we think they are, every day of the year.”
The Starburst All Pink Self-Care Kits include everything needed to feel special, including a gratitude journal, succulent, yoga towel, jade roller, meditative coloring book, shower steamer, sleep mask, tumbler, and, of course, plenty of Pink Starburst.
Hollyn-Taub added, “We want to celebrate the positivity and empowering message All Pink has come to stand for over the years. We recognize that our day-to-day lives have changed quite a bit this year — and we want to use this as an opportunity to encourage our fans to practice self-care.
Fans can find Starburst All Pink at major retailers nationwide. Additionally, the Starburst All Pink Self-Care Kits are available now at www.StarburstAllPink.com for $0.99 on a first come, first served basis, while supplies last.
To learn more about the latest brand happenings, including additional All Pink Self-Care Kits for giveaway, follow @Starburst on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or join in on the conversation using #StarburstAllPink.
Even though your future Picassos may not be gaining a ton of inspiration from being out an about, they can still hone their creativity in some fun ways while at home. From learning from famous illustrators to crafts for toddlers, we’ve rounded up some easy and free online tutorials for your little artists.
Google Arts & Culture has teamed up with London's Serpentine Galleries on a new hub that gives families ways to "do it (around the world)." The museum has curated famous artists to give DIY tips like spreading joy to strangers, creating make-believe books and new ways of seeing the world. You'll find people like Louise Bourgeois, Carrie Mae Weems, Jonas Mekas, Carsten Holler and Raqs Media Collective.
The hills are alive with this fantabulous arts and crafts resource. In a new collaboration, The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization is pairing up with influential fans ofThe Sound of Musicand launching “The Sound of Music Crafting Corner.” The resource that will be a slew of crafts and activities which will encourage families to create and spend time together. You can already view the first craft, the puppet setup from the famed Lonely Goatherd scene!
The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (MFIT)
It's time to get your knit on! Check out We Are Knitters and the new weekly homeschool lessons that teach step-by-step knitting basics. Kids will also learn new knitting techniques, in addition to increased patience, motor skills and concentration.
Craft Project Ideas
iStock
If you're at a loss for new ideas to keep the kids creating, then head to Craft Project Ideas. Choose from tons of crafts for Earth Day, Mother's Day, more holidays and indoor-specific projects.
Corita 101
Corita Arts Center
The Corita Art Center has created a free K-5 art curriculum available in both English and Spanish to encourage families to continue creating and designing through art. Based on the teachings of Corita Kent, the curriculum is made up of worksheets that based on STEAM learning.
Join the Whitney Kids Art Challenge with projects that are designed especially for kids and grown-ups to do together! Based on works of art in the Whitney's collection, all the activities will introduce kids to the diverse ways that artists think and work.
The Children's Museum of Manhattan has plenty in store to keep everyone creating. Every day of the week features a different theme, including slime making, dance parties, sing-a-longs, videos and more.
Every day during the month of April, Shotgun is releasing a new MTB illustration for kids to print and color at home. With 30 animals in the collection, there is plenty of coloring to be had! You can share your kids drawing using the hashtag #shredtilbed on social media and enter to win a shotgun seat and bars. Head to Shotgun to subscribe for free.
Transcendence Theatre Company
Transcendence Theatre Company
This English language/arts development program is offering free online videos that help kids not only develop their English skills, but also integrates art education (think how to make a comic book or how to pantomime.). Geared towards students in grades 1-5, parents can access the four weekly videos and lesson packets by clicking here.
World of Eric Carle
Check out free coloring pages, scavenger hunts, printable bookmarks and more as part of Eric Carle's free resources. Parents will also love the complete teaching kit, poster, Very Hungry Caterpillarposter and tons of additional resources.
Crayola's At-Home Creative Hub is here for kids, parents and teachers. The platform provides easy access to educational and crafting resources, including creative lesson plans, how-to videos, DIY crafts, free coloring pages, and weekly At-Home inspirational emails. Users will find hundreds of craft tutorials, free videos and craft recipes and weekly live crafting events!
Mo Willems
Mo Willems via Kennedy Center
Kennedy Center Education Artist-in-Residence, Mo Willems invites your kids into his studio every day for Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems. Kids of all ages can practice their drawing skills with each virtual studio visit. Every day at 1 pm ET, the Kennedy Center’s official YouTube account will post a new lesson centering on Willems’ beloved characters.
Circle Time
Sign up for CircleTime and invite a friend and you get access to free, live beta classes! Choose the time that works best, then settle in for some cozy learning with your 0-6 year olds. Pick from arts & crafts, music, dance, science, emotional intelligence and more.
Simple lessons and fun downloadable printables await at Raising Wonder. During every weekday that the world is social distancing, Sarah Jane Wright guides kids through different themes with simple drawing projects. So far, she's covered topics like home, town, animals and world.
The artists at Disney are spoiling us! They've recently released a series of videos to teach kids how to draw 1920's Mickey, Contemporary Mickey and Pie-Eyed Mickey that are all free over on YouTube.
Design Your Own Vans
Vans
Future fashionistas will love getting a chance to design their own shoes. These fun coloring pages from Vans come with cutouts, too! You can download the coloring book here.
Book Creator
Book Creator
Book Creator is offering 90 days of real-time collaboration and creation on books for free, normally a premium, paid option. Kids can flex their creativity by creating an account, getting 1 library and 40 books for free.
Find virtual programs from Keeneland Racecourse and the Keeneland Kids Club, including “horse schooling,” kid-friendly recipes, and special at-home activities each week.
Club Med at Home is releasing a weekly series of coloring pages for kids, Club Med recipes, and activity suggestions for kids and parents from Club Med’s Kids Club.
Check out the city of Houston's website for fun coloring pages.
Check out Toys"R"Us' new Play@Home hub, where kids can find coloring sheets, word searches, DIY activities and more.
Get your color on at BIC Online Family Resources with activities like fill-in-the-month calendars and story prompts.
Check out Welch's Fruit Snacks for free coloring pages, bingo and word searches.
Head to Great Wolf Lodge for crafts that include step-by-step instructions and videos.
Scooby dooby doo! The new animated feature Scoob! debuts digitally on May 15 and families can bring the excitement home with a new collection of toys, home goods, pet products and Scooby snacks. The collection launches exclusively at Walmart and Walmart.com this month just in time for the premiere.
From Basic Fun, Playmobil, Funko and more, the Scoob! toy collection includes: Scooby-Doo figurines ($ 2.99- $9.99), a Mystery Machine vehicle ($19.99) with lights and sounds, and huggable plush toys, even a new character from the movie called puppy Scooby ($7.99), Funko POP! Collectibles ($9.99) and more.
Home goods and fashion: With the giant Scooby cuddle pillow guarding them, as well as a colorful bedspread and soft throws, kids will sleep soundly at night ($9 – $30). Converse sneakers in adult and youth sizes feature classic Scooby and the gang sayings like “Ruh Roh” and “Zoinks” ($70 -$110).
Outdoor: As the weather heats up and families head into the backyard to play in the pool or sprinkler, kids can wrap up in a Scooby towel with hood ($10.98). For Scooby snacks and drinks on the go Igloo’s Playmate Elite cooler ($49.00) is the perfect size for family picnics.
Food: Scooby loves his Scooby snacks! A variety of snacks worthy of Scooby’s and Shaggy’s appetites include graham cracker sticks shaped like dog bones, fruit snacks and candy.
Pet Products: A BarkBox with Scooby chew toys, plush squeak toys, and dog snacks is available through Amazon.com and the BarkBox website (price varies). A Mystery Machine Pet Carrier from Buckle Down ($59.99) looks just like the Mystery Van!
Scoob! will be available for a 48-hour rental via Premium Video On Demand for $19.99, or premium digital ownership for $24.99, beginning on Fri., May 15.
—Jennifer Swartvagher
All photos courtesy Warner Bros. Consumer Products
Air travel with tiny humans can be exhausting—but being prepared when it comes to the kids’ carry-on luggage travel list can help lighten the load. What does that mean? Besides toting the necessary ID, cash and travel documents, your carry-on bag should be a veritable Mary Poppins case of goodies. Read on for the scoop on what to pack in a carry-on (and be sure to scroll down for the printable checklist).
Accidents happen—whether they be the stinky kind or the spilled juice variety. So prepare for wet wardrobe issues by bringing spare clothes in your carry-on. Also, don't think just because you're a grown-up that you don't need to bring extras, too. One stray swing of an arm and your cup of wine may quickly end up lap-side.
Hint: Put spare clothes into separate zip-locked bags so you can easily grab what you need—and put wet or dirty clothes away afterward.
If there's one thing kids never tire of, it's snack food. Pull out all the stops with a travel trove of their favorite eats. Stick to easy finger-food types of items that they won't get things too messy (Fruit snacks, yes! Chocolate, no!). Chewy snacks are especially good during takeoff and landing when the simple act of chewing can help relieve ear pain.
An Empty Sippy Cup
courtesy OXO
You can bet that the little plastic cup your kid gets during in-flight beverage service will at some point hit the ground. Avoid spills by bringing a sippy cup (or water bottle, for older kids) that flight attendants can fill during the flight.
You've no doubt seen the news reports about the legions of germs lurking on airplane tray tables—and in-flight remote controls, touch screens and armrests. Protect your family from germs by applying hand sanitizer several times during the flight. Sanitizing wipes are great, too, since you can use them to sanitize all the surfaces around your seat as well as on the diaper-changing table in the bathrooms.
Chances are, the headsets the flight attendants distribute won't fit your child's ears—and in-ear buds aren't meant for kids. To make sure your kid can hear the movie (or whatever she's playing on her device), make sure to pack a pair of kid's headphones. We like these fleece-based CozyPhones, which wrap around your child's head like ear-warmers (which means your child can actually fall asleep with them on) and limit the volume to a safe level for children.
Diaper Changing Supplies
The Honest Company on Unsplash
Arguably the worst part about flying with a baby or toddler is having to change said baby's diaper in the tiny airplane lavatory. So be prepared: Store diapers and wipes in easy-to-reach zip-locked bags so you can grab and go when the time comes, and bring a portable changing pad so you can cover the changing table inside the restroom. Be sure to wash those little hands after every change, in case your tots have wandering fingers in the grimy airplane bathroom.
Hint: Bring more diapers than you think you'll use (for babies under 1, we recommend one diaper per two hours of flying time).
Your kiddo might be all smiles on the ground, but it's anyone's guess how she'll feel once airborne. Ear pain, motion sickness, or just the sudden beginnings of a viral illness might hit mid-flight—so it's best to have a flight plan. Here's what you should stick in your child's in-flight medicine kit (Note: You can pack a similar kit for yourself, but be sure to mark it so you don't mix up meds):
Antihistamines in case of allergic reactions (make sure you know the proper dosages beforehand)
Motion sickness tablets such as Dramamine, which are safe for kids ages two and up (just be sure to buy the children's strength tablets)
Any needed prescription medicines—Even if your child doesn't need them while you fly, you don't want to pack prescription medications in checked baggage, just in case your luggage gets lost or delayed
Anti-nausea medicine like Pepto or Nausene, in case your child has an upset stomach.
Gas relief drops
Something to Chew or Suck On
Silvia Trigo via Pexels.com
Ever wonder why people are told to chew gum on takeoff and landing? Chewing stimulates frequent swallowing, which helps keep the eustachian tubes open and equalizes air pressure as you ascend or descend. Sucking works, too, so don't be afraid to spoil your kids with some sweets during the flight. For babies, just make sure you give a pacifier or bottle (or nurse) during takeoff and landing.
Hint: Always carry lollipops. Besides helping with ear pain, they work wonders to tame tempers, and you can offer them to other moms whose children are fussing.
Electronic Devices
Keiko Zoll
You may or may not be a screen-time kind of Mom, but we (and, probably, your fellow passengers) say ANYTHING GOES when you're flying with a brood of wiggly, moody little travelers. If it makes you feel better, load up your iPad with "educational" apps, then let your kid have at it (Need a good list? Check out this post on the best learning apps for preschoolers).
Hint: Don't forget to also bring a charger and plug. Many airplanes (and airports) have power ports—so you can keep your kids' devices charged (hopefully) all flight long.
We're not saying you need to construct a whole airplane busy box, but having a few wrapped surprises to give your kids throughout the flight will help keep them busy and engaged. A quick trip to a local Dollar Store is all you need.
Some easy ideas (Note: All of these are available at Dollar Tree):
Long ago, we'd have told you to bring actual books on a plane to read to your child. Today—why waste the space? With a few clicks on your phone, you can download full-color picture books from your local library and read to your child. Just go to your local library's website to get the details or try Hoopla or Overdrive to see if your local library is represented.
Hint: Be sure to download books before you get on the plane since you probably won't be able to download titles while connected to an in-flight Wi-Fi signal.
Those juicy fruit snacks every kid looks forward to finding in their lunchbox just got a new look and taste with Galactic Fruit Gushers.
Limited Edition Galactic Fruit Gushers feature three new flavors including Asteroid Apple (green), Berry Star Cluster (blue), and a mystery U.F.O flavor (purple).
Put your tastebuds to the test and see if you can guess what the mystery flavor is. If you guess correctly, you could win prizes like sweatshirts, hats, blankets, pop sockets and more. Just visit GalacticGushers.com and submit your guess by 11.59 p.m. on Apr. 30, 2020 for your chance to win.
The limited-edition flavor is available exclusively at Walmart in a 20-pouch box for $5.88.
Ah, snacktime. It’s our kids’ favorite time of the day, but for us parents, it can be a little more tricky. We’re always searching for snacks that are convenient for us, healthy for them and delicious enough to satisfy picky palates. Below, we’ve rounded up a bunch of new snacks that totally fit the bill, just in time for the back-to-school rush. Snacktime meltdowns are about to become a thing of the past—just scroll down to get the goods.
Fall 2019
Fruit Crunch Parfait
These new fruit parfait cups from Del Monte are perfect for anyone working with non-dairy dietary restrictions. The coconut creme has the creamy texture of yogurt, and the flavor is great. There's a full serving of fruit in each cup, as well as probiotic-rich crunchy granola toppings that are a hit with kids. They come in four flavors: Mango, Strawberry, Blueberry and Pineapple Coconut.
If you need a little crunch but want a healthier option than what you'd normally find on a supermarket shelf, try the new bean chips from Beanfields. Offered in flavors like cheddar sour cream and Himalayan pink salt, they satisfy your savory cravings and also pack in the protein with every bite.
These high-protein snacks are great for after school or before sports. They come in two different combos: Super Cheesy (crispy cheddar cheese and almonds) and Really Ranchy (crispy gouda cheese and pecans). Each pack has 9g of protein (but just 3g of net carbs).
For a snack that tastes like dessert, but is much more healthy than an actual chocolate bar, turn to TRUWOMEN Protein Bars. These delish bars (we tasted them ourselves!) are 100% plant-based and made with all-natural ingredients like almonds, brown rice, cassava flour and cashews. All bars are totally vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, non-GMO and kosher, with the minimal ingredients listed on the label. Choose from flavors like Daydreaming About Donuts to Saltylicious Almond Love to Oh Oh Cookie Dough.
You've likely already tried a few of the other flavors by Harvest Snaps; these veggie-based snacks are a great crowd pleaser and an excellent alternative to potato chips. The newest flavor, a sweet and smoky, Southern Style BBQ will give you that BBQ chip fix with way less sodium, fat or preservatives.
An after-school snack that is packed with protein but not packed with processed "mysterious" ingredients? Alpha Foods plant-based snacks like these nuggets fooled were happily gobbled up during a playdate with a vegetarian kid and a meat-eater, all without complaint.
Nothing says fall like pumpkin spice and this new bar from Bobo's will hit that PS craving for a snack that is low in fat and sugar. Approved by three finicky third graders, too.
As a parent, at some point you start to think "aren't all fruit bars the same?" We were suffering from fruit-leather overload and tried Pure Organic's Layered Fruit Bar in Pineapple & Passionfruit and realized we'd been doing fruit bars all wrong. These are packed with flavor, all natural, gluten free and low cal. They're absolutely delicious.
These crunchy little snacks come in bar and bite-sized and are the perfect alternative to those mounds of cheese crackers full of ingredients you can't pronounce. Because these babies are very straightforward: they are literally just baked cheese! Super low carb and high protein, all you KETO moms might just be snagging these for yourself.
It has finally happened. Our pickiest snacker devoured a protein bar without being cajoled. PAW Patrol Luckybar Protein Bars have more protein than two eggs. They have low carbs, no fillers, gluten or preservatives. And they taste great! We loved all the flavors, including Crazy Coconut and Chocolate Campfire. This is the jackpot of protein bars! Find them at luckybar.com or your fave grocery store.
bare Baked Crunchy Medleys
bare snacks
You might already be familiar with bare snack foods and their array of baked veggie and fruit snacks. The new kid on the block this school year are the Medleys. We loved the apple strawberry combo. .
A great alternative to a sugary after-school treat, SmartSweets Gummy Bears (and Sour Gummy Bears) are every bit as delicious at their sugar-ladened counterparts. Which means you can still satisfy that craving without blasting them with sugar.
Once Again Amore Organic Hazelnut Spread with Milk Chocolate Squeeze Packs
Looking for an alternative to Nutella or an on-the-go treat that isn't packed with tons of sugar? These little squeeze packs from Once Again (makers of nut butters galore) are so good we actually used them not-overly-sweet icing for sugar cookies.
These little stars are packed with yum power (seriously, we had to hide them from ourselves so the kids could try them) and they're packed with protein, too. Each serving has 6 grams, a lot more than your average snacky cracker, made with non-GMO ingredients, real cheese, and no artificial colors or ingredients. We also liked the Mixed Berry Yogurt crisps.
If you're looking for a snack bar that's filled with good things like peanut butter, dark chocolate, coconut and more, then Kate's Real Food bars are going to check all the boxes on your list. Made with organic non-GMO ingredients as well as all-natural honey, they are not only wholesome but taste great too. The newest flavor is lemon coconut, but there five other combos to pick from as well, including dark chocolate peanut butter and mango coconut.
Swap out those sugary crispy treats for something healthy! Made with farm-fresh blueberries, Smashcrispy Blueberry Crumbles are made in a nut-free facility, are naturally gluten-free and made with non-GMO ingredients. They pack just the right amount of sweetness, without being overly sugary.
You can shop blueberry and all the other flavors at Instacart.com.
Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers
Simple Mills
There are a lot of gluten-free products out there and it's no surprise that some of them just don't hold up. So it's pretty rare to find a snack that is gluten-free that 1) the entire family loves and 2) tastes better than 99% of the other crackers out there, gluten or no gluten. Simple Mills crackers are made with almond flour, sunflower seeds, flaxseed and cassava, which means they actually have three grams of protein per serving. While the crowd favorite was Rosemary & Sea Salt, they have a variety of other flavors including Farmhouse Cheddar and Fine Ground Sea Salt snack packs perfect for fall lunches.
When you think of a coconut-based snack you might not always think of a savory. PRANA's Hula Salt & Pepper coconut chips will change that! For those times when you don't want to dole out the Lays, but something salty and a full of (good) fat is in order, these little snacks are packed with a crisp flavor. Mom approved (and also consumed).
How do you get your kids to eat enough protein but also not wrinkle their noses up? You give them a protein bar that is maple syrup flavored. Not only is this yummy little bar organic it's got eight grams of protein. While we acknowledge some kids don't like nuts and seeds, this little bar just might change their minds. They are also soy and dairy-free and have less than six grams of sugar per serving. For anyone who has ever nearly chipped a tooth on a Kind bar, this bar's for you!
Want your kiddos to eat their veggies but know they need a little motivation? These delicious veggie snack packs from GAEA may be your solution. Choose from carrot, cauliflower or gherkin (or one of their many olive varieties you may already be familiar with). Packs are resealable, nut-free, gluten-free, low-calorie and resealable. The snack packs are shelf-stable, which means they don't require refrigeration before eating and are also free of preservatives.
For busy days and hangry kiddos (we’ve all been there!), Nature’s Bakery has the perfect solution. Their Oatmeal Crumble Bars are packed with 14 grams of whole grains and three grams of fiber, ensuring that your little one will stay full for hours on end. They’re made with an open-top oat bar filled with real fruit jam and topped with a crunchy oat crumble and come in three flavors: strawberry, apple and cherry.
34 Degrees Sweet Crisps in Cinnamon, Lemon, Vanilla or Chocolate
34 Degrees
For a healthier alternative to a cookie or other treat, Sweet Crisp offers a variety of flavors including Cinnamon, Vanilla, Chocolate and Lemon. These wafer-thin treats are like round little discs of something between an ice cream cone consistency and a cookie. They're lower in sugar than most kids treats and make an excellent little snack to get your fix. Crowd favorite around here were the cinnamon, but it was a hot debate.
Sometimes you just need a little boost of protein—and honestly, those chalky protein powders and drinks are just not appealing, especially for kids. That’s why we love these tasty Chicken Snack Sticks from Mighty Spark. They’re made with chicken free from MSG, antibiotics and hormones and have up to 6 grams of protein in each serving. Check out their unique flavors: black bean & chipotle, BBQ seasoned sweet potato, sea salt & pepper, honey & jalapeno and cranberry & ginger.
Bobo's There With Care Limited Edition Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bar
Bobo's
Bobo's has teamed up with There With Care to donate $5 from every box sold of these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oat Bars. There With Care provides support to families facing critical illness, helping to provide fundamental services necessary to keep a family together during a medical crisis. Not to mention, these delicious, soft snack bars make the perfect after-school, on-the-go boost your kids will love. They were even approved by a finicky eight-year-old.
You’re probably familiar with Justin’s line of nut butters and snacks (those peanut butter cups are to die for!). This summer, they’ve upped the ante with their newest product, Almond Butter Covered Almonds. They’ve got 3 grams of plant-based protein per serving, making them a perfect after-school snack.
Fueling up on the go is easier than ever thanks to Rowdy Prebiotic Foods. Their new Blueberry Almond Tart Bar is the perfect quick snack, made with antioxidant-rich blueberries, creamy almond butter, and their signature natural sweetener, yacon root. All of their bars are free of dairy, soy and gluten, are low-glycemic, paleo-friendly and 95% organic.
Learn more (and check out the other flavors) at rowdybars.com.
Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Kids
Nutri-Grain
If you’ve got a picky eater on your hands, then these new, bite-sized Nutri-Grain Kids are an essential item to keep in your pantry. They’re available in three kid-pleasing flavors (apple, strawberry and grape) and the ingredients are parent-approved too. The filling is made with real fruit, and there’s no high-fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors. They’re also a good source of whole grain and pack in plenty of vitamins and minerals.
It’ll be love at first taste with Nature Nate’s honey. Their raw and unfiltered honey is made by North American bees, and now it’s available in convenient packets that are perfect for slipping into lunchboxes or enjoying as an after-school snack. Drizzle some onto a nut butter sandwich, add it to ants on a log or blend it into a smoothie—the sky’s the limit with this awesome alternative to processed sugar.
Siggi’s Icelandic skyr is already super delicious, but they’ve taken it to the next level with their newest release, Simple Sides. It has their signature 2% skyr (if you haven’t had it before, it’s similar to Greek yogurt and also packs in a ton of protein) on one side, and the other side has a complementary topping. Vanilla yogurt is paired with almonds and dried cherries, honey yogurt goes with dried figs and walnuts, and apples, almonds and oats get sprinkled on vanilla and cinnamon yogurt.
Spice up snack time with these tasty new crackers from Back to Nature. Their Cracked Black Pepper Harvest Whole Wheat Crackers are free from hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup and artificial preservatives—and they taste great too. Stack ‘em up with cheese or nosh on them all by themselves. Plus, check out their wild Kale & Sea Salt Crackers, which are just as green as you’d imagine, with pieces of real kale inside. We’ll take anything to get more veggies on our plates!
Happy Tot Organics Superfood Bars are nutrient-dense fruit and oat bars that are made for busy toddlers and families. Containing 350 milligrams of omega-3s (ALA) from flaxseed and three grams of fiber, these bars boast zero grams of added sugar and are naturally sweetened with real organic fruits! You can find from plenty of major retailers nationwide and choose between two flavors: blueberry and oatmeal or strawberry, sunflower butter and banana.
If your kids dig Fritos, but you want something a tad bit healthier, turn to RW Garcia's new Organic Yellow Corn Chips. They're the first snack company ever to receive Non-GMO Project Verification, which is basically the gold standard for affirming that a product contains no GMOs. Besides being tasty, the chips are made in a facility that is totally peanut- and tree nut-free, which is awesome news for any families dealing with those allergens.
When is a raisin not a raisin? When it's a vine-dried grape, aka a revamped raisin from Life's Grape. It might not sound like that big of a deal but for anyone whose ever tried to pry that last chunk of hard, dry raisins from a box, hear this: these are superior raisins!!! Every one is plump and sweet and our editor's finicky eight-year-old gobbled them up a lunch-sized packet and asked for more. We can't wait to use them in baking, too!
Square Organics latest snack packs a serious protein punch: both the Peanut Butter Protein Crispy Bar (with flavors like Vanilla Crunch, Toasted Coconut & Dark Chocolate Chip) and chocolate-coated Organic Protein Bar (Cookie Dough, Nuts & Sea Salt and Peanut Butter) have a whopping 10 grams of protein in that yummy little square. They literally last for hours and make that perfect after-school-before-practice-snack.
Enjoy your Honeycrisp year-round thanks to Tree Top's new organic Honeycrisp dried apple slices. You'll love that there is only one ingredient in this flavorful snack: Honeycrisp apples. Tree Top sources their apples from Pacific Northwest orchards and its new product comes in a convenient 20 oz. resealable pouch. Available now at Costco (check your local Costco for details with prices varying by location).
Whether your kiddos are anti-crust or you're just trying to give them extra healthy ingredients, Ozery Bakery's Morning Rounds will be a hit. They are made with real fruit and grains that contain 5 grams of real fruit, 7 grams of whole grain and 2 grams of fiber. Toss in lunches or toast up for breakfast, these tasty snacks are so good your littles won't even realize they're healthy!
Chocolate as a snack, you say? This isn't your ordinary candy bar. PRANA offers up "superbarks" made from fair trade chocolate and key ingredients. The PRANA Chia Balance—dark chocolate bark with caramelized coconut & probiotic chia—is not only incredibly delish, but it is also nutrient-dense with pumpkin and sunflower seeds, probiotic chia seeds and is even a great source of fiber. There's even 4g of protein in a serving. The Maca Power version—dark chocolate bark with corn flakes, almonds and maca—provides sustained energy with 4 g of protein, ancient grains and maca, which has a positive effect on memory, energy and mood. There are seven barks to choose from.
Looking for a healthier lunchbox treat that is actually more delicious than a traditional, sugar-packed cereal treat bar? Made Good's Caramel Crispy Squares and Strawberry Crispy Squares are divine. They are free from nuts and other common allergens, including peanut, dairy, egg and soy, so they are totally safe for school lunches. Sweetened with cane syrup and made with brown rice crisps, these delicious snack bars might make their way into mom or dad's own lunchbox, too. They also come in Vanilla and Chocolate Chip.
Next time that dessert craving hits (for you or them) reach for a Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt Snack Buddies Bar, a new line of kid-sized Greek yogurt bars that debuted March 2019. Dairy-based, Yasso's Snack Buddies offer 25% less sugar than the leading novelty and 10% more protein. It's packed with live and active cultures, and no high fructose corn syrup or high-intensity sweeteners. Eight perfectly kid-sized bars come in each box with new flavors: Mint Cookie Chums, Strawbuddy Lemonade, Fudge Space Chip and Party Animal.
Shop here or get yours at retailers like Target, Publix, and more.
Kids know best when it comes to what tastes good so it's pretty awesome that Kashi's newest snack, Organic Super Food Bites, was dreamed up by a team of kids. They're not only tasty but good for you, too. They're packed with superfood ingredients like coconut flour, chickpeas, açai and sweet potato, and include 10g of whole grains and three grams of fiber. Choose from two flavors: Mixed Berry and Chocolate. These peanut-free snacks come in handy pouches, which make dishing them out on-the-go easy peasy.
Sans artificial ingredients or fillers, Truth Bars will give your kiddos their daily dose of prebiotics and probiotics. Choose from five flavors: Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch, Mint Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Almond Crunch, Chocolate Raspberry Coconut and Dark Chocolate Coconut. Gluten free, non-GMO, kosher and a max of five grams of sugar per bar, this is one snack you and the kids can feel good about.
For kids with allergies, finding a bar that actually tastes good and is safe can be a challenge. These delicious new breakfast bars from one of the most trusted allergy-friendly food companies are sure to be a win. Free of gluten, wheat, dairy, soy, sulfites, lupin, fish, crustaceans, tree nuts, peanuts, casein, egg, shellfish, sesame and mustard (phew!) you might wonder what actually in these bars. With four types of "purity protocol gluten-free oats" and lots of whole grains, they come in a variety of yummy flavors including Apple Cinnamon, Berry Medley, Chocolate Chip Banana and Maple Fig.
One word to the wise: they are more crumbly than other breakfast bars we've tried, so be prepared if you plan to eat on the go!
New to January 2019 is Stonyfield Organic YoBaby Veggie Yogurt cups in purple carrot and sweet potato flavors, as well as Kids Whole Milk pouches in new flavors apple cinnamon sweet potato and blueberry apple carrot. The baby yogurt cups include no added sweeteners and, like all of their products, are certified organic, free from artificial hormones, toxic pesticides and GMOs.
The snack bar company co-founded by actors Kristen Bell, Ryan Devlin, Todd Grinnell and Ravi Patel has just launched a new kids’ bar, and they’re delicious. Made totally school safe (no nuts, dairy, soy or gluten), the new flavors include Chocolate Chip “Dino”-Mite, Rockin’ Straw-beary and S’more Blast, and each bar is Non-GMO Project Certified, Gluten Free, and Kosher, plus they’re made with clean ingredients and only have 5g of sugar per serving. And, that whole life-saving thing? With every box purchased, a child in need will receive a meal.
We’ve always loved the quality of cereals and baking goods from Bob’s Red Mill, so we were thrilled to hear the employee-owned company was debuting a line of kid-friendly snack bars in five different flavors. Inspired by some of your favorite childhood snacks, these bars are filled with wholesome ingredients like organic honey and peanut butter, plus they’re filled with fiber and protein to keep little bellies full longer. New flavors include Peanut Butter Jelly & Oats, Peanut Butter Chocolate & Oats, Peanut Butter Coconut & Oats, Peanut Butter Apple Spice & Oats and Peanut Butter Banana & Oats.
This new company makes products free of the top eight allergens, so you’ll be able to toss one of their new snack bars into your kid’s lunch box or share with friends with no worries. We especially love that each bar is filled with pumpkin and sunflower seeds, which means each bite is packed with extra nutrients and antioxidants. Choose between pineapple and raspberry.
Ready for the cleanest, tastiest, most nutritious on-the-go snacks? Perfect Kids offers trusted, quality ingredients with a cookie-dough-like texture and taste. Each bar also delivers seven grams of whole food protein and eight Superfood veggies.
What’s better than instant oatmeal? How about warm and ready in minutes spoonable muffin! These plant-based muffins are loaded with Superfoods and protein. They’re available in Banana Nut, Blueberry, and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip.
Your kids’ favorite lunch is now an on-the-go snack. These peanut butter and jelly single-serve snack packs come in four different flavors including Almond Butter and Raspberry.
Introducing Pop Chips that are convenient, delicious, and guilt-free made from chickpeas and rice that are the perfect addition to any meal or snack. Each box comes with 4 bags of Cheddar, 4 bags of White Cheddar, and 4 bags of Apple Cinnamon Squeaky Pops.
The Complete Crunchy Cookies are bite-sized, plant-protein packed, contagiously crunchy cookies available in classic flavors such as Chocolate Chip, Double Chocolate, and Cinnamon Sugar. Each 1.25oz pouch is packed with 6 grams of plant-based protein and four grams of fiber, while the 4.25oz resealable bag that delivers 20 grams of protein and 14 grams of fiber.
Available at Lenny & Larry, $20.20 for 1.25oz, 12 pack
Quinn Pretzels
These pretzels are whole grain, gluten free, non-GMO and yummy! They come in Classic Sea Salt Pretzel Sticks and Twists along with Touch of Honey Pretzel Sticks, and the newest flavor—Deli Rye Style Rods.
Keep them going strong with a snack that packs a nutritious punch! We love Jif Power Ups Chewy Granola Bars because they are super-yum and have 5 grams of protein in each bar. They come in a variety of flavors including Chocolate with Peanut Butter and Peanut Butter Banana and are a kid-approved by our own editor's son who gave them "two dancing thumbs up." Check out also the Jif Power Ups Creamy Clusters, too, for a super easy on-the-go snack with staying power. Even Neil Patrick Harris agrees.
The bars are $5.99 for 5 and the clusters just $2.99 a bag. Shop them at Jif.com
Keep your kids fueled up for recess with thinkKIDS's new protein-packed bars. These bars have a whopping 45% less sugar than most granola bars out there—just 4 grams of sugar per serving, plus 7 grams of protein, plus they're made without icky stuff like high-fructose corn syrup and artificial colors. The kid-friendly flavors include Vanilla Cupcake, Cinnamon Sugar Cookie, Cookies 'n' Cream and Chocolate Chip.
Not down with dairy? Check out Kite Hill's dairy-free yogurt tubes. These vegan snacks are made with almond milk, fruit and live active cultures. Choose between two yummy options: sweet Wild Berry or Strawberry Banana. Pop them in the fridge or freezer for a smooth, creamy treat.
GoMacro's protein bars are packed full of good organic stuff. Three new flavors of the vegan bars, each with 10 grams of plant-based protein, are ready to feed hungry hordes. Blueberry and Cashew Butter will please the fruit lovers out there and Dark Chocolate + Almonds offers a cocoa fix. Parents will want to keep the Mocha Chocolate Chip ones all to themselves—the bar gives a caffeine boost equal to half a cup of coffee.
Your little sugarplums may be squarely on Santa’s “nice” list—but all bets are off when they’re hungry and tired and waiting in a 45-minute line to see the Big Guy himself. Of course, teaching your child coping skills takes time, so we talked to an expert who gave us a moment-by-moment cheat sheet for handling those big emotions during the holidays. Keep reading for tips on how to keep your holiday helpers happy.
The Trigger: Crowds, temptation (TOYS!), overstimulation
“The holidays are kind of like going to war when you have kids,” said Kathina Firme, a California school psychologist who specializes in treating preschoolers. “Toddlers can get really overstimulated. It’s the people, the noise, the traffic. They just aren’t able to regulate themselves. You have to plan for that.”
The Solution: Get to the stores earlier in the day to avoid crowds. Before you go in, lay out the ground rules: (i.e. if you want to allow “just one small treat," explain that they have to stay close, etc.). “You can prevent a lot of tantrums by looking at the triggers," said Firme, who worked as a consultant on a genius go-to kit called Tantrum Fix, which comes with an assortment of items to help little ones calm down, mid-meltdown (and the proper language to use before they start simmering). “Most of those things, it’s like, ‘OK you’re hungry. You’re tired. You’re uncomfortable. It’s the same as adults but it’s more exaggerated because they can’t express that.”
Another tip: “You can prevent a lot of tantrums by meeting their basic needs,” Firme said. Be sure to bring snacks, and don’t be afraid to rely on electronics. If the grocery cart is the only place you let your little one loose with an iPad, lose the guilt. If it keeps everyone happy (and it’s limited), it’s all good, Firme said.
If you've got older kids, let them help find things at the store! Give them a scavenger hunt-style list of items to find and let them cruise the aisles. (Psst—we've got some great ones!)
The Trigger: Boredom. Attention is on the sibling. Hunger if the show is during dinnertime hours or tiredness if the show is at night.
The Solution: Distraction—and backup. Bring something for the child to do during the show or snack on in case he gets bored (lollipops work well because they're quiet, kids love them and they last longer than, say, fruit snacks). Sit near an aisle so you or your partner can make an easy exit if your little one just can’t sit still.
The Trigger: Overstimulation. Too many faces/people. Staying up past bedtime.
The Solution: If you know the party is going to go late, try to get your child to take a nap earlier in the day. Then, once you're at the party, try to steer end-of-the-night activities toward something more mellow (like a movie or coloring). When it's time to go, don't do long goodbyes, just get out while your kiddo is still in a good mood.
For older kids, try one of our awesome holiday scavenger hunts to keep them busy so you can mingle with the fam.
When You're Grocery Shopping/Waiting in a Checkout Line
The Solution: Keep children busy while you're waiting (see above link for line games). "I Spy" is an easy go-to game for little ones—as are these free printable scavenger hunts. Let kids help do the shopping by giving them things to put in the cart, or having them load the conveyer belt when it's time to pay. Praise them for being "helpers."
The Trigger: Anticipation of later events, parties, gifts, etc. Lack of sleep.
The Solution: Pack special "surprises" in your child's lunchbox, so she has something to look forward to during the school day. These can be special holiday snacks, a special note or a small toy (if that's OK with your child's teacher).
When You're on the Long Drive (or Flight) to Grandma's House
The Solution: Plan for the trip by making a special bag of treats/activities for the drive. These can be anything from a special holiday movie to a box of tiny wrapped toys (Dollar Store toys are totally fine!). If you need more ideas, see our list of simple air travel hacks for kids.
Do double duty this holiday season by giving gifts that give back. Check out these 11 feel-good gifts below.
1. Wanderwide Adventure Art. Transform your travel memories into a beautiful piece of art. Each product is designed to stylishly commemorate the many adventures life has in store for you. Wanderwide’s adventure-tracking prints allow modern wanderlusters a tangible way to capture their adventure memories, share them with others and keep dreaming of what’s next. Some of their more notable prints include National Parks, baseball stadiums, 50 states, surf, and ski register prints. For every adventure register purchased, Wanderwide Adventure Art donates $1 to a foundation that’s committed to preserving the beautiful places showcased in that print.
2. Have a Heart Phone Case. Show off your phone with a Have a Heart phone case that’s more than just pretty… it gives back to isolated and impoverished people in the world. Have a Heart phone cases are made from environmentally friendly materials and include RFID protection. Choose from a variety of patterns, including many directly inspired by the artwork created by children living in poor, remote villages in the Andes Mountains of Peru. $5 from every Have a Heart purchase goes to Living Heart, a charity bringing medicine, school supplies and sustainable agriculture to remote villages in the Andes Mountains.
3. My Infinite Agenda. Help your favorite people stay organized and motivated in 2020 with a gift from My Infinite Agenda. It is a luxury vision-board, journal, and daily planner designed for busy life. They donate 5% of net profits from each agenda to four charities, including water, Sing for Hope, Days for Girls, or The Empowerment Plan depending on the color you choose.
4. TRUBlanket. TRUBlanket is a premium made weighted blanket designed to promote relaxation and a better night’s sleep. Infused with real glass beads, and is also called the “Happiness Blanket.” Studies show that a weighted blanket helps reduce the effects of anxiety, PTSD, autism, depression, restless leg syndrome, insomnia, and other issues. TRUBlanket’s inner blanket is made with 400-thread count cotton, allowing for more exceptional breathability. Available in 15 and 20-pound weight. Proceeds from every sale are donated to Tru Lite Foundation, which financially supports families going through the adoption process.
5. Hari Mari.Hari Mari created the ultimate men’s boot, using the premium buttery soft leather from the iconic Nokona ball-gloves, and they even feature the Nokona Chief logo on the heel. The boots offer dual-density memory foam inserts for superior all-day comfort, DiamondTread™ molded rubber outsole for all-terrain grip and traction, and premium pig leather interior lining and leather cord laces. They have s a program that gives back to children battling cancer.
6. Jack & Mary Designs. Make lasting memories from a sweater or other garment you no longer wear but still cherish with Jack & Mary Designs‘ “Original Memory Mittens.” They can be ordered online with a step-by-step process to help guide you through. “Wear it for the Planet,” is their motto, Their eco-friendly business offers the perfect combination of both style and practicality. The company donates to local charities that support families in need in the Seacoast of Maine and New Hampshire, donating approximately 5% of their profits.
7. Q for Quinn. These warm socks may be fuzzy novelties, but they are practical and fun too. Q for Quinn is a special line of socks that are meant to be worn matched or mismatched. Their designs and colors are different enough to be unique, but similar enough to be worn mismatched too. Three pairs of seamless, bold, colorful, unisex socks are designed to be worn mismatched to create nine different possible looks. As a bonus, each pattern of the socks is featured in an illustrated, rhyming book perfect for a curious toddler. For every pair sold, Q for Quinn donates a meal to a child in need through the nonprofit, Mary’s Meals.
8. CHUM Fruit Bites. Are you looking for a tasty and good-for-you stocking stuffer? CHUM Fruit Bites are committed to making 100% natural fruit snacks with no artificial ingredients added sugars or colors. They pride themselves on picking fresh fruits in season and using them in their rawest form. Kids will love the fun animal designs and delicious flavors, and parents can feel good knowing their children are eating clean and healthy ingredients. Each package features a different endangered species. CHUM Fruit Bites are vegan, gluten-free, and Kosher and available in a variety of flavors, and they give 15% of their profits to WildAid.org, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving endangered species.
9. Hearth Hounds If you’re like most dog owners, your dog is truly one of the family. Hearth Hounds offers beautiful keepsake holiday stockings that look just like your dog. Seriously. Almost every breed can be found on the company website. Hearth Hounds routinely donates portions of proceeds to Greyhound adoption groups and animal welfare organizations throughout the U.S.
10. Safety Dog Leash. This Christmas gift your favorite pet-lover the gift of safety. Anyone who enjoys taking their dogs for walks knows that your pup can get distracted and take off. The Safety Dog Leash ensures your leash stays connected to you—even if your dog tries to bolt. It also allows you to go “hands-free” to tie your shoe, utilize your poop bags, or shake someone’s hand. Safety Dog Leash donates 50% of all revenues to various charities worldwide so you can feel good about adding this one to a loved one’s stocking.
11. Kitty Cardboard. This festive box will have your cat meowing ‘Jingle Bells’ and ‘Deck the Halls’ all season long. Little felines love cardboard boxes, and Kitty Cardboard created a new holiday design ready to be displayed wherever your cat wants-under the tree amongst the presents. This holiday-themed box will fit in with your decor for sure. These popular boxes come in several other designs (Jungle Box, Meowter-Space, Purradise, and Spooky Box). One box bought = One Box Donated. Kitty Cardboard is charitable and devoted to homeless cats and donates one box to a shelter for every box sold.
Allyson is a mom of two and has more than a decade of experience working in both television news and public relations. From national television shows to top newspapers, Allyson has worked around the world including a travel magazine in London, England, Phoenix TV and local hospital and healthcare association.
There are so many different types of philanthropic efforts children can and should participate in, and with Thanksgiving right around the corner, now is the perfect time to let your kids know about the importance of giving. It’s a good practice for the mind, body, and soul! Philanthropic efforts aid children in developing their social and emotional skills such as inclusivity, compassion, gratitude, empathy, and acceptance.
A child’s world is naturally very small. They’re most familiar and comfortable with what they know, which is usually reflected in their own immediate families. Broadening their understanding of the world is crucial to creating, what we call at The Little Gym, Citizen Kids. Citizen Kids are well-rounded children who can appreciate the differences they see in others and learn to contribute to the world in a positive way.
Developing a philanthropic mindset and instilling a service heart in children begins at home, with their parents and loved ones. Children are influenced not only by the words of their loved ones but even more so, their actions. Volunteering as a family is a fun way to spend quality time together and to show them how far kindness and compassion can reach. And kindness is contagious!
Here are some ideas to get you and your family started!
For Children 3 Years or Older
1.Build homeless packs and have them in your car. In a large Ziploc baggie include small personal hygiene products, feminine products, socks, granola bars, fruit snacks, and a bandana. As a family, you can make it a monthly activity to put these together and have them on hand to pass out to the homeless in your community when the opportunity arises. It showcases thoughtfulness and kindness to your child. Simply roll down your window and hand them out, no need to get out of the car.
2. Set-up a lemonade or popsicle stand to raise donations for a children’s charity or not-for-profit that you and your children can connect with. There are many local organizations right in your backyard that need your support, as well as, more widespread organizations across the country.
3. Get moving with your children for a good cause! There are awareness walks all around the United States that you and your family can get involved in. Choose one, raise the money and walk as a family in support of a local or regional non-for-profit. Whichever walk you choose, be sure to educate your children on the “why” this is so important. You can even make the walk a “family tradition” of sorts!
4. Organize a “Travel Bag Drive” in your driveway! Encourage your friends and neighbors to donate new or gently used backpacks, duffle bags, etc. to a box on your front porch and donate them to your local CASA organization. Court Appointed Special Advocates is a national association in the United States that supports and promotes court-appointed advocates for abused or neglected children in order to provide children with a safe and healthy environment in permanent homes. These children are often only given a black trash bags to carry the few personal items they have. By collecting these bags and donating them, you are providing a child with a sense of identity in a time of difficulty. Allow your children to write notes or draw pictures and place them in the bags as an additional act of kindness.
5. Create “self-appointed” Park Protector badges! When you take your kids to the park, have them wear their badge and spend the first 10 minutes combing the park for trash. Simply make it part of your park routine! This really showcases how “we all play a part” in protecting our planet and hopefully developing a life-long respect for mother nature!
For 5 Years Old or Older
1. Got a young performer on your hands who is looking for an audience?! Why not reach out to a local nursing home or assisted living center to see if they’d be interested in “showcasing” your child’s talents. What a beautiful way to spread positivity and joy to others. If you don’t have, or aren’t a performer yourself, you could simply volunteer to stop in and play board games or simply listen to their stories. This is a great way to expose your younger children to the older population and showcasing that each person, no matter age, can develop positive and respectful relationships. This is an important service opportunity that can bring light and joy to the residents of these communities.
2. Create a “Family Service Calendar” where you choose one service opportunity per month for you and your family. Don’t overwhelm yourself with feeling like you have to do grandiose projects each and every month. Try picking 4 months out of the year for the bigger ideas and then sprinkle the smaller ones into the remaining months.
Remember, no act of service is ever too small and it will only further develop your bond with your children and their social and emotional intelligence, leading to a well-rounded “Citizen Kid.”
Experienced Director in Curriculum and Training with a demonstrated history of working in the entertainment, education, health wellness and fitness industry. Skilled in nonprofit organizations, event planning, customer service, franchising, entrepreneurship, coaching and sales.
Most of us know we should be feeding our kids more fruits and vegetables. And most of us know that while that sounds easy in concept, in practice it can feel like an insurmountable challenge. Changing a family’s eating habits isn’t easy — and with the shortage of time and the abundance of convenient processed foods out there, eating healthy can often feel like a battle that’s lost before it’s begun.
When our kids were little, meal times were beyond stressful. We’re both busy professionals, so our schedules are always packed. Between work, traveling for work, and completing all the endless tasks and chores that accompany any parent’s busy schedule, we were perpetually exhausted. So when our son West refused veggies, many times “eat the broccoli” just wasn’t a hill we were willing to die on. We’d capitulate and end up feeding him buttered noodles, fruit snacks, and tubes of processed “yogurt.”
And it felt like we were failing him.
We didn’t want to set our kids up for a lifetime of bad habits eating only bland, over-processed food bereft of nutritional value. Food should be a joy, not a chore! Our wish list was simple: we wanted our kids to eat mostly real food and to approach new food with an open sense of curiosity. We don’t expect them to like everything, but we wanted them to enjoy the journey of trying new things and to be courageous. Ideally, we want them to grow up to eat mostly fresh, balanced meals without feeling guilty or obsessing about eating healthy or afraid to ever eat the doughnut. But it’d be dreamy if they feel internally motivated to choose healthful foods, eat regularly, and use internal cues of hunger and fullness to guide their eating.
We also wanted food to be a source of connection in our family. We grew up with opposite experiences with family meals: one of us grew up as a latch-key kid with parents who never cooked, the other grew up poor, but no matter what else was happening, the small family came together around meals. Mealtime was a place of joy and warmth, and we both wanted that for our own family.
It sounded great… but felt impossible to achieve. We started to wonder if there was another way. Could family meals be an experience that bonded us? Could we buck the insidious US kids’-menu brainwashing that tells us kids only eat hot dogs, chicken nuggets, and mac & cheese? As busy parents, how could we flip the script?
So we started to explore, and one day something miraculous happened. In the grocery store, our toddler West put some items into the cart without us noticing and we brought them home. As we unpacked the groceries and found a Jerusalem artichoke, we told him, “Westy, we don’t even know how to cook this.”
Without missing a beat, he said, “I’ll show you.”
So we let him loose to explore and he ate what he made. It marked a reset for our family. By engaging the kids in meal preparation and playing together, we discovered they weren’t only willing to try more diverse foods, they became excited about it. We started to research and were surprised to learn that the homogenized “kids’ menu” is an American invention and that in other countries, kids’ eat the same real food grown-ups eat. That was an awakening. If other kids could learn to do that, ours could, too!
So we started to let West and his sister, Maison, occasionally lead in the kitchen. We let them be active participants in meal preparation and we let them play. It takes on average preschoolers ten to fifteen exposures to a new food before they’re willing to experience it, and even more before they “like” it, so we had to unlock some patience on our part as well. We had to learn to let go and let them make a mess and to sometimes make things that no one (even us) wanted to eat. But we soon found that by giving them agency and freedom in the kitchen, along with certain gentle boundaries, we unlocked their natural curiosity and creativity. It changed everything. Now, instead of goldfish crackers or cookies, our kids turn to a salad as “comfort food.” (Really.)
It hasn’t always been easy for our family to find its path to healthy, happy family meals. We’re parents, not professional chefs or nutritionists, so we talked with experts to help us develop tips and tricks that actually work to end the power struggle around mealtime. But if we could share one tip with other harried parents from everything we learned, it’s this: It’s not about persuading kids to eat something they don’t want; it’s about inviting them to become creative, curious explorers who see new food something exciting to seek out. So let them play with their food—and play with them, too! After all, we’re going to share approximately 6,205 dinners with our children before they turn 18—it might as well be a fulfilling, joyful adventure.
Misha & Vicki Collins share more strategies to transform “picky” eaters into healthy, curious food adventurers in their new cookbook, “The Adventurous Eaters Club”, available for order now.
Actor Misha Collins (TV’s Supernatural) & his wife, Dr. Vicki Collins, are parents of small children and authors of “The Adventurous Eaters Club” a cookbook that turns picky eaters into joyful, healthful food-explorers!
