Tots-n-Teens Tuesday: Preschool

Watch Daniel Tiger episode on Amazon Prime

 

 

Sharing the link above to one of my very favorite episodes to watch with my little ones.  In the two featured in this, Daniel Tiger and his friends learn about vegetables growing in the garden and how to be brave about "trying new foods 'cause they might taste good".  That's become a favorite little song at our house now. 

 

Also, they enjoy some great dishes like Veggie Spaghetti and Banana Swirl (aka, Nice Cream!!).  I really think they wrote the show for the Nutritarian family. :)

 

Now my 3yo is smitten with the idea of making Veggie Spaghetti.  Of course, I am happy to oblige her request.  Monday is Pasta Night at our house, so she is often my helper at dinner time, creating a Veggie Spaghetti feast.

 

 

Here she helping to roll out the to bake in the oven. I use this recipe, but switch out flax *egg* for real egg and skip the cheese. 

 

We like these and serve them with the marinara sauce I make from the strained vegetables when I make broth. I shared that here recently.

 

What I like most about this little show is that it's reinforcing a great approach in helping children enjoy and embrace new foods.  There is a new sense of courage and determination in my little ones as they sing out a little ditty, knowing there could be something great waiting for them.  There is a visible, if not audible, sigh of relief in knowing that if they don't like the food, that's okay. We're all cheering that they made the effort. 

 

And, well, another bonus is that they are encouraging children to be brave in eating foods that are GOOD.  Foods that nourish and give their bodies life.  A little different than the Green Eggs and Ham that were served to me as a motivational meal. *blech*

 

In my experience, after trying a food numerous times, most of my children will come to a point where they can at least tolerate a food to finish a small portion.  There are exceptions, of course.  But I have found that patience, not making food the issue, and more patience does bring about some victories. 

 

Just ask my 7yo who discovered, after 7 years, this week that she does, in fact, LIKE raisins. And she will eat them with a mouse and she will eat them in a house.... :)