Cooking for your kids

Cooking for your kids

Just wondered, when you cook for your kids, do you cook separate meals for them or do you just cook one meal for the whole family? I spose its hard if you've got fussy kids but I can't understand how some people have time to cook more than one meal at a time. Or do you cook for your kids but have something quick yourself like a ready meal?

Thanks guys

Re: Cooking for your kids In reply to: Jenno

I don't cook separate meals no WAY *lol* We've always tried to give the kids the same food as us, as far as possible. Obviously when they've been tiny babies, they've eaten pureed food but even then I tried to mash what we were eating, within reason.

We have Indian home cooked meals at least 5 times a week and I use less spices in the curry and then my husband usually adds more salt etc to his own bowl. I've always liked my curries very mild :o) I don't use much salt either and, again, my hubby will add salt to his own food. Even when I'm cooking English, they eat the same as us. There are some foods they won't eat - my 4 year old won't touch any kind of salad and my 9 year old can't stand mushrooms but they pick these out of their food themselves - they still get offered it.

I try to eat with the girls but if I can't, I make extra for myself and reheat it later. I've tried cooking for myself later but all that happens is that I'm usually too tired by that time and usually just have a load of junk food! I think it's better to have food that's been prepared for a while and then reheated than a load of crisps!

What about you? How do you do it?

Don't sweat the small stuff. It will make you stinky.

Re: Cooking for your kids In reply to: Nina

That's really helpful, cheers! Im glad Im not the only one. Not that Im lazy but yeah its just too much hassle and I kinda think that they get to try new things that way. I really liked what you said about offering your kids food even tho you know they wont eat it! I think thats a good idea.

I have a year 3 year old son who isn't that fussy thank God, but if he doesn't like something I avoid cooking it for him but actually I think i shouldn't now.

If my partners away I'll usually cook something easy for my son, then make up something quick for myself.

My friend has 3 kids who are quite fussy so she cooks for them and then ends up eating really late at night or something unhealthy, which I think is a shame.

Re: Cooking for your kids In reply to: Jenno

It's nice to come on here and know you're not alone, isn't it?! I've posted something about fussy eaters but I think it got lost somewhere - I don't understand how some people can let their kids eat junk food all the time - surely if the kids aren't given a choice, eventually they will be hungry enough to eat what they're given? I know the tantrums are hard, but I think it's our job as parents to cope with all that, personally.

 I think everyone mostly cooks one meal at mealtimes, it would be too hard any other way! I like to think I teach my girls by example, by eating lots of fruit and veg and only eating as much as I want to, not stuffing myself. My friend gave me the idea of offering food, even if it's not eaten and it's how I got my girls to eat salad in the first place (apart from the little one)! Eventually, they decide to try it and then most times they find they like it. But if you think about it, there are foods that adults don't like and can't eat, so it's about striking the right balance between trying something and not liking it to flat out deciding not to try it!

Don't sweat the small stuff. It will make you stinky.

Re: Cooking for your kids In reply to: Jenno

It's nice to come on here and know you're not alone, isn't it?! I've posted something about fussy eaters but I think it got lost somewhere - I don't understand how some people can let their kids eat junk food all the time - surely if the kids aren't given a choice, eventually they will be hungry enough to eat what they're given? I know the tantrums are hard, but I think it's our job as parents to cope with all that, personally.

 I think everyone mostly cooks one meal at mealtimes, it would be too hard any other way! I like to think I teach my girls by example, by eating lots of fruit and veg and only eating as much as I want to, not stuffing myself. My friend gave me the idea of offering food, even if it's not eaten and it's how I got my girls to eat salad in the first place (apart from the little one)! Eventually, they decide to try it and then most times they find they like it. But if you think about it, there are foods that adults don't like and can't eat, so it's about striking the right balance between trying something and not liking it to flat out deciding not to try it!

Don't sweat the small stuff. It will make you stinky.

Re: Cooking for your kids In reply to: Nina

Yes, this does crop up alot, as children will try and push the boundaries with food all the time.  I always eat with my kids (couldn't when I was working shift yrs ago)....and my hubby comes in later so he just re heats what we have just eaten. 

Even now, my Daughter who is nearly ten yrs, will say, she doesn't like chicken (she does)...and I say, well this is your dinner, you eat it, or you don't get supper, and even though she moans and takes ages eating it, she will eat it!....Its more difficult when they are in the toddler stage, I can appreciate that, as they dont realise that its healthy and we want the best for thier health!.  I vary meals, as shopping is getting more expensive, so for example we could have corn beef hash as a cheap midweek meal (mashed potatoes, onion,butter, splash of milkand corned beef all mashed and served with broccoli or a veg of thier choice, my kids love french beans.  Thats got protein and iron in it, and its filling, sorry im waffling!.....and then another more healthier choice could be a veg curry (Nina had lovely mild curry recipe on here, I printed it off...maybe still in this cookery-chat part of this?)....serve with rice (very healthy)....even making your own homemade pizzas is good fun and healthy (I put a recipe for pizza on here, once I think its still here somewere!)....Good luck

Re: Cooking for your kids In reply to: Hannah

Thanks ladies, it's nice to know that Im doing the right thing. Its sometimes hard to know whats right especially when your kids wont eat what you've cooked, its worrying. Yeah I think you're right Hannah, kids do like to push the boundaries I spose thats what kids do and I think youve got to be realistic to the time you have and not give in. Its true food being more expensive doesnt help but I spose if its all homecooked, its better than nothing. I think this sites quite good for cheap recipes and all that. sometimes if my partners away ill cook baked beans, homemade mash and fish fingers for my son coz it's easy and cheap and isn't too unhealty. I think a variety and treats are good if not all the time.

Its nice knowing what other mums do to get their kids to eat. Like I said my boys not too fussy at moment but Id like to be prepared for any food tantrums in the future!

Re: Cooking for your kids In reply to: Jenno

If you carry on giving your boys varied food, then they probably won't turn into fussy eaters - that's always been my motto anyway. My three girls LOVE their food, some people are amazed when they see them because their kids are fussy and it's a shame because it really isn't that difficult to lead by example and cook a variety of food. I'm lucky that I'm Indian but was born in England so I have the best of food from both countries. I've also started trying Italian and Mexican in recent years (hubby loves Mexican because it's spicy!). I agree, the recipes on this site are great and I even tried Hannah's pizza one, it was good!

You sound like you're doing a great job, Jenno - keep up the good work ;o)

Don't sweat the small stuff. It will make you stinky.

Re: Cooking for your kids In reply to: Nina

Ah thanks Nina. Thats really nice of you and sounds like you are too! I like your moto alot. I agree actually about leading by example and giving kids a variety of things to eat and just make food enjoyable.