What are your tips for making snack time fun?

MOMMBY Mom - posted on 02/19/2011

I agree with what a lot of people posted above. Here are some of my tips. For more information, please refer to this article: http://mommby.com/Food/All/Snacks.php

1.Set a Good Example - There have been so many times that my son didn't want anything to eat so I got myself a pear and next thing I know he wants some too.
2.Make it Fun - Use a cookie cutter to cut up a sandwich or slice of cheese. Or use food to decorate, like raisons on top of peanut butter. You can use natural food colorings like those from India Tree for a special occasion.
3.Use Dip - My son loves to dip things. Once I knew it was safe for my son to eat peanut butter I loved serving it on the side for him to dip apples, oranges, bananas or a slice of whole wheat bread.
4.Let Them Help - Most kids want to help and if you let them help prepare the meal or snack usually they'll eat more. If making muffins my son loves to pour the ingredients after I measure them into the bowl and mix everything up.
5.Give a Choice - Most kids like to have choices. I always give two choices both of which I'd be happy with my son picking. Would you like a pear or an apple? Do you want blueberry or strawberry yogurt?
6.Keep Trying - Just like when introducing new foods to a baby, I find you need to keep offering new food to toddlers. Eventually, they may decide they like it. It took my son awhile to decide he likes crunchy carrots but now he thinks they are fun to chew. He also went through a period of not wanting milk except in cereal and before bed. But after consistently offering it at meal time (but not forcing it since he did get a lot of calcium through cheese and yogurt) he now will drink it at meals, especially if chocolate milk is offered. He still prefers juice (100% juice which I mix with water) but he will now also drink milk.

Megan - posted on 02/18/2011

My kids LOVE it when I prepare a smiley face man on a plate for them. Smiley fritz (polony or devon depending on where you're from) in the centre, carrot sticks for arms and legs, thin cheese slices for fingers and toes, cucumber for hair and a strawberry for the heart. The eat every last little bit and it's soooo healthy.

Olga - posted on 02/18/2011

maybe ask your child to help you make the snack (if its safe of course)

Lisa - posted on 02/18/2011

I use a great website called Snack Girl - http://www.snack-girl.com/ - so many awesome ideas.

SandysConnected - posted on 02/17/2011

Make the snacks into faces or creatures.

Sarah - posted on 02/17/2011

How about eating outside? (when it's warm)...or maybe you can play around with their snack....shape it into a smiley face? Let them pick out a new snack every time you go shopping....

Rocio - posted on 02/17/2011

I love buying the pre cut apples and carmenl light. The boys always wanna snack during a board game. Plus i always bring in the carrots with light ranch and you'd be amaze how distracted they get when playing, because they finished all the veggies and fruits.

Deepti - posted on 02/16/2011

hey just read this blog of mine and u r sure to find some ways to make eating healthy a pleasurable work!!
http://perspectiveofdeepti.blogspot.com/...

Stacey - posted on 02/16/2011

Ever try making a bento box snack or lunch. My little guy loves them. Check out www.antoherlunch.com for ideas.

Arminda - posted on 02/16/2011

i guess snack time is fun itself!?

Samantha - posted on 02/16/2011

I use cookie cutters to make their snacks into different shapes, think cheeses, sandwiches, etc. And I let them help me use the cookie cutters to make them into the shapes. They have a blast!

Lauren - posted on 02/16/2011

I have a little cookbook for kids called ''Silly Snacks'' and I let my girls pick out which one they want and then while we're making it we'll name the colors or shapes of the foods.

Nika - posted on 02/16/2011

we ( the kids and I ) pick out all snacks (and other meals) for the week then draw a "party in my tummy" chart ( pictures of each food with a smiley face ) then as we eat them we cross them off. At the end of the week if everything is crossed off we get a "special treat"...this week is ice cream! We have snack time at the park most days ( weather permitting ) and before they can play they have to finish their snack. :D

Darlene - posted on 02/15/2011

Eat together. If your kid see you enjoying your food, he will as well enjoy eating his.

Melinda - posted on 02/15/2011

Snack time fun? Why does snack time have to be fun?

Jennifer - posted on 02/15/2011

Kristine- that's a great idea! I never thought of that before, but a buffet of fun dipping choices would be a hit for sure. I'm definitely trying this!

Kristine - posted on 02/15/2011

dipping choices...yogurt, peanut butter, salad dressing, melty cheese. got a special occasion? chocolate! Also, cut up 2 fruits or veggies and see who can make the most creative picture with them, add a few pretzles or crackers to make it more fun...then eat!

Megan - posted on 02/14/2011

My kids and I would pick out a new kind of fruit we had never tried before (star fruit, dragon fruit etc.) and then prepare it together.

Thepmala - posted on 02/14/2011

Snack time more fun? I don't understand...do they not want snacks?

Kim - posted on 02/14/2011

On the weekend, all 3 of my children help out with what to buy at the store... then we try and bake something as well.

Jennifer - posted on 02/10/2011

Incorporate games like making your kids race each other to see who can finish their snack the fastest