Starting children on whole & healthy food at the beginning of their culinary journey gives them a foundation they usually will keep the rest of their life. Exposing their tastebuds to all sorts of experiences broadens the senses and the mind.I encouraged my daughter to try new textures, spices and flavors at an early age. If she didn't like it I would introduce it to her several more times. Usually after a few tries she loved it. At three years old she has a diverse palate and isn't afraid to try new things. Last night with dinner she ate a huge serving of beet greens with balsamic vinegar. She loves food, sure there are days that she dislikes everything but, I never push. I let her body communicate with her in regards to what it needs. Sure she like mac & cheese and Popsicles, who doesn't.
The other activity I encourage and cherish is her cooking in the kitchen with me. She climbs up in her tower and measures, stirs and pours for me. She tears kale off the stem for salads like a 5 star chef. We talk about the names of vegetables and where they come from. She loves the time we spend together and she feels important and a part of preparing food for our family. It also instills in her an appreciation of food and an awareness of the time it takes to create a meal.
She tends to gobble up anything she helps prepare. Talking about what she cooks fills her with pride and confidence.
