Hello beautiful mums!
It’s Sarah, returning with another episode from the genius (and occasionally manic) world
of parenthood. Today I wanted to tackle something that I promise takes up at least 60% of
my waking brain function: what on earth to feed the children!
Sound familiar? If you’re having a tough time wrestling a picky toddler, attempting to sneak
in some extra veggies, or just feeling totally uninspired by the contents of your fridge, take
heart. As a mother of two rowdy munchkins (a whirlwind 5-year-old and a surprisingly picky
2-year-old), I’ve had my fair share of dinner victories, and let’s be honest, an equal number
of food-on-the-ceiling flops.
So let’s dive into some real-life tips and favorite meal ideas that have actually saved my
sanity – and hopefully, yours too, wherever in the world you are!
The Golden Rules (or rather, Gentle Suggestions)
Some things I try to live by before we move on to the food proper:
Keep it Simple, Stupid (KISS): Honestly, I use this as my own personal motto. We don’t
have to eat fancy every night. Nutritional value and happy tummy trump picky recipes.
Batch Cook Like a Boss: This is your secret weapon. Sundays are usually my “big cook” day
and get things ready that I can mix and match during the week.
Involve Them (Sensibly): Toddlers can help wash veggies, mix ingredients (with adult
supervision!), or set the table. It gets them feeling responsible and more likely to eat what
they have helped prepare.
Don’t Be a Short-Order Cook: This is hard, especially with a picky child. But generally, one
meal for everyone (with slight variations for very young children) is the rule. They will eat
when they are hungry.
Variety is the Spice of Life (But Don’t Force It): Offer plenty of foods throughout the week,
but don’t get frustrated if they only eat pasta three days in a row. Look at their consumption
over the course of a week, not one meal.
“Like Just One Bite”: My motto. Sometimes that’s all that will take to coax them into eating
a new food.
Breakfast Club: Starting the Day Right
Ah, breakfast! Far too often a whirlwind, but so critical.
Porridge Power: A UK staple for a reason! Quick oats and milk (dairy or non-dairy), topped
with berries (fresh or frozen, defrosted), a dusting of cinnamon, or a dollop of nut butter.
Great for slow-release energy.
Eggy Treats: Scrambled, boiled, dippy eggs with soldiers – genius eggs. So much protein
and really quick. My kids love a simple omelette with a splash of cheese sprinkled in.
Fruit & Yoghurt Pair: Easy peasy, nice and refreshing, and packed with goodness. Greek
yoghurt for extra protein, topped with whatever fruit comes to hand.
Wholemeal Toast & Toppings: Jam is only the start, why not avocado, cream cheese, or a
sophisticated spread of Marmite (love it or hate it, eh?!).
Lunchbox Heroes & Quick Home Lunches
Conveniently, lunch must be.
The Classic Sandwich/Wrap: Wholemeal bread is the way. Fillings: cheese, ham, tuna
mayo, cream cheese and cucumber. Transform shape using cookie cutters for a laugh!
Leftover Love: My favorite. Did you cook pasta bake too long last night? Place it in a
thermos to eat hot for lunch.
Pasta Salad: Cooked pasta shapes (bows, fusilli), sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes,
sweetcorn, a little pesto or light dressing. So convenient!
“Pick ‘n’ Mix” Platter: Ideal for home lunches. Crackers, cubes of cheese, sliced apple,
cucumber sticks, hummus, a few olives, some chicken pieces that have been cooked. My
kids adore grazing.
Soup & Bread: Simple tinned or homemade soup (tomato, veg, lentil) served with a bit of
crusty bread to dip in. So soothing on a chilly day.
Tea Time Feasts: The Main Event
This is where the battle is generally lost, isn’t it? Here follow some family staples which
typically receive their stamp of approval in our home:
The Ever-Dependable Pasta Bake: Pasta cooked mixed with a simple tomato sauce (I like
to sneak in grated courgettes or carrots or both in there), mince or lentils cooked through,
topped with cheese. Bake until golden and bubbly. Excellent for making in large quantities.
Sausage & Mash: A good old British favorite! Good quality sausages (check the meat
content!), light and fluffy mashed potatoes (add butter and milk to make them creamy),
with peas or baked beans on the side.
Fish Fingers & Chips (Homemade Style!): Forget the beige! Oven-fish fingers (choose ones
with good fish content) with homemade oven chips (thinly sliced potatoes, brush with oil,
bake) and plenty of green stuff such as broccoli or peas.
Mild Curry/Chilli Con Carne: Don’t worry about flavour! A very mildly spiced lentil or
chicken curry with rice, or a mild chilli con carne (reduced hot spice, more pepper
sweetness) with rice and a dollop of plain yoghurt. Great for hugging in the veggies and
legumes.
Chicken Stir-Fry (Deconstructed): My children do not enjoy having everything combined. So
I’ll make chicken strips, separate rice noodles, and then platters of steamed broccoli
florets, carrot sticks, and maybe some edamame beans. They get to mix and match what
they like.
Sheet Pan Dinners: Less washing-up, more flavour! Chop chicken pieces or sausages and
a variety of colourful vegetables (peppers, courgettes, cherry tomatoes, red onion), brush
with a little oil and herbs, and roast on a single large tray.
Lentil & Veggie Cottage Pie: A comforting, warming dinner. Sauteed mixed veggies (onions,
carrots, celery, peas, corn) cooked with lentils in a hearty tomato-based sauce, topped
with cheesy mashed potato. Pure comfort food!
Snack Attack! Wholesome Munches Between Meals
Don’t skip snacks! These bridge the gap and prevent meltdowns.
Fruit (apples, bananas, oranges, berries, grapes – halved for little ones)
Vegetable sticks (cucumber, carrot, pepper) with hummus or cream cheese
Rice cakes with a variety of toppings
Bowl of yoghurt
Small serving of unsalted nuts/seeds (for older kids)
Cheese strings or cubes
Homemade muffins (banana, apple & cinnamon)
And Finally. Don’t Stress!
The biggest thing I’ve learned is not to stress so much. Dinnertime can be battle, but it
doesn’t have to be a daily battle. They’ll eat anything on some days, and not touch it on
others. That’s just the way it is! Focus on providing good food, having fun at dinnertime,
and enjoying the small wins.
