Make Mealtime Family Time

Family meals allow young children to focus on the task of eating and give you a chance to model good behaviors. It may take a little work to bring everyone together for meals.

Start eating meals together as a family when your kids are young and it will become a habit. Plan when you will eat together as a family. You may not be able to eat together every day but try to have family meals most days of the week. A meal together doesn't have to be the evening meal. Sometimes lunch may work better for your family. Breakfast together can be a fantastic way to start the day – the Super Strawberry Muffins below would be a great addition!

Cook together. Have your child help you get ready to eat. Your child may be able to:

Rinse fruits and vegetables.
Add ingredients.
Help set the table.
Turn off the TV.
Clear the table.
Wipe the table.

Eat together. Make family meals enjoyable.

Focus on the meal and each other.
Turn off the television.
Take phone calls or texts later.
Try to make meals a stress-free time.

Talk together. Involve children in the conversation. Ask questions like:

If you could invite anyone to eat with us today, who would it be?
What made you feel really happy today?
What's your favorite crunchy food? Why?
What made you laugh today?

Super Strawberry Muffins

Yield: 12 muffins

Ingredients:

⅓ cup vegetable oil
½ cup brown sugar, lightly packed
1 cup strawberry applesauce (no added sugar)
1 egg
1 cup white whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup chopped fresh strawberries, gently rubbed under cold running water
1 cup quick-cooking oatmeal

Directions:

Wash hands with soap and water. Preheat oven to 350 °F.
Break egg into a small bowl. Wash hands with soap and water after cracking raw egg. Mix together oil, brown sugar, applesauce, and egg.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add to oil mixture to dry ingredients and mix until moistened.
Carefully blend in strawberries and oatmeal.
Spoon into 12 muffin cups sprayed with cooking spray or use paper muffin liners. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and cool.

Notes:

Two of the little "cups" of strawberry applesauce were used for this recipe but plain applesauce could be used as well. Look for brands with no added sugar.
White whole wheat flour is a little lighter in texture and color than traditional whole wheat flour which also could be used. All-purpose flour is another option but won't give the added benefits of a whole grain.
Other fresh or frozen fruit could also be used such as blueberries, raspberries, peaches, etc. Tossing the fruit with a little bit of flour before adding to batter can help prevent the fruit from sinking to the bottom of the muffins.
A sprinkle of old-fashioned oats before baking adds a quick, eye-appealing touch to the muffins. A light dusting of cinnamon and sugar could also be used.

Nutrition Information: