Tips for teaching toddlers to eat well

Meal time with toddlers can be difficult. Those of us who have had children know that forcing a toddler to do anything can have disastrous results. Making a game of an issue while teaching may be a healthier and happier means to a desired result. That demands time and creativity.

Your child is only young once, and the time you have with him or her is precious. In my last blog I talked about growing a garden to help your child learn about veggies and encourage him or her to try them. If you do not have time to plant and tend a garden, consider buying a few potted tomato and green pepper plants. Herbs are also easy to grow inside.

Go to a farmers market and buy fresh produce which tastes better than processed fruits and veggies. Offer your children the fruit and veggies raw and cooked. Then compare and talk about the results. Becoming aware of the different veggies and fruits is the first step in learning to like them.

If you have a child who is gluten-free, then check out our blog with gluten-free recipes on the Maine Warmers' web site, or subscribe to the Maine Warmers' e-Newsletter, published once a month. If you subscribe, your name will be entered into a monthly drawing for a free Maine Warmer, a microwave heating pad in the shape of a sheep or some other

Sheep microwave heating pad

animal. Check out Maine Warmers on Facebook for give-a-ways and specials.