My Kids are Bottomless Pits...

[apnep]

Last weekend I made a double batch of red quinoa salad with dried cherries and pepitas

This sounds yummy! What's the recipe??

 

[apnep]

SO, you have three choices:
1. keep buying junk and refilling when they run out

No, this does not happen! I am not returning to the store for more. I bought 3packs of hot pockets (they're only allowed one for lunch because I want them to eat with a healthy side). One 8 pack of small cup sized Chef-Boyardees, deli meat, chips. Oh, and one package of those big muffins from Costco for them to eat with their breakfast and they could have a half of one. Also, there's only 100% whole wheat going on in this house with no preservatives and no HFC. That's pretty much all the junk they got.

Disneylover, I did like how you schooled your kids in the kitchen.

 

[Glenn]

If you have Aldis by you check them out. I think their brand of canned pasta is just as good as Chef Boyardee & much cheaper. Growing up years ago peanut butter was a good filler since it has protein so ate lots of that. Bananas are pretty cheap, good for you and can fill a kid up too. For home made try a whole grain pasta with different veggies made with a little olive oil and garlic. If 100% whole grain is not to the kids liking mix some with regular pasta. Add a little diced left over ham or chicken for protein and it can be filling. Or you can get a small van for grocery shopping. lol Good luck with dinner.

 

[badblackpug]

We have kool-aid that is barely sweetenend, and water. I only have OJ and they usually only drink a bit for breakfast.

One of my replies is, "Go drink some water.You're thirsty." I usually get a whine. After hearing everyone else, I think my kids are normal and that I don't have to worry about "being a police." It's good to hear everyone else ideas. I'm definitely going to sit down with them and teach more cooking skills and let them know exactly what I expect to see on their plates.

Thanks!

They are absolutely normal. Left to their own devices my kids would pick those things any day over the "healthier" choices. They will eat the fruits and veggies if that is what is given to them, but if left to make their own choices......

I also buy a large jar of peanut butter and no sugar added preserves. PB&J is quick and easy, and they can make it themselves.

 

[apnep]

I also buy a large jar of peanut butter and no sugar added preserves. PB&J is quick and easy, and they can make it themselves.

I am doing this today. I saw another thread with the homemade PB&J pockets!

 

[NHdisneylover]

Great idea! Can you recommend one?

I know you did not ask me but here I am answering anywayOne thing you want to be careful of is that many children's cookbooks aren't really so much about cooking as about making foods look cute. Being able to make a canned pear half look like a bunny or a sandwich look like a boat is probably not what your kids want or need if they are trying to make actually filling lunches (and not going to teach them true cooking skills either). They also tend to talk down to the kids.
Honestly, past about age 8 or 9 both of my kids just used adult cookbooks. I asked the kids and they both hands down recommended the Betty Crocker book in the three ring binder (we had the kids' edition too but they did not use that much). The Betty Crocker book has all the most basic foods in it and good step by steps. It is not overly fancy and does not call for a plethora of unusual ingredients.
Once they get started they may never stop--now my kids buy themselves cookbooks. The Disney chef ones are their favourites: and there are some really good (but not beginner) recipes in them

No, this does not happen! I am not returning to the store for more. I bought 3packs of hot pockets (they're only allowed one for lunch because I want them to eat with a healthy side). One 8 pack of small cup sized Chef-Boyardees, deli meat, chips. Oh, and one package of those big muffins from Costco for them to eat with their breakfast and they could have a half of one. Also, there's only 100% whole wheat going on in this house with no preservatives and no HFC. That's pretty much all the junk they got.

Disneylover, I did like how you schooled your kids in the kitchen.

Well that is awesome--so life will go on and they will survive with option 2 or 3 And yes, as you are learning it is perfectly normal for them to grab the quick, easy junky things first. Most kids would.

Since I asked about the cookbooks DD has been reading over my shoulder. She has a suggestion that I think is pretty good (hey, what can I say she is MY little snowflake after all so everything she says must be perfect). She says try not buying ANY sweets whatsoever, but then having ingredients on hand to makes cookies and cupcakes (she says no chocolate chips though because those are yummy all by themselves). Give the kids some recipe cards with cookie and cupcake recipes on them and let them know they can bake if they want a treat (I will add brownies would be good to have a recipe for as well). This will encourage them to cook--because it will be their yummiest option. Cookie recipes are a great place to start in the kitchen for learning purposes and homemade ones are not nearly as bad for you as the store bought kind. Bonus--it takes time and energy which may help eat away at the boredom leading to eating too much.

Oh, and thanks for the compliment. I learned to cook on my own (from the Amy Vamderbilt cookbook) because we were a TV dinner every night fmaily and I hated it. DH's mom is a great cook and never wanted the kids under foot in teh kitchen so none know how to cook as young adults (DH rocks with breads now though) and I did not want either of those scenarios with my kids--so I made a point of teaching them how. When they were about 4 and 6 eggs were on sale cheap and I even went so far as to buy several dozen and spend a couple of afternoons just letting them practice cracking eggs Now at 11 and 13 they love to cook and make dinner a couple of times a week. Major benefit I did not see coming

 

[abcboys]

I have not read any of the replies but my kids sound just like yours!! I don't mind buying a few things of "junk" but when that's all they want to eat, I tell them I won't buy it anymore if they don't choose healthy stuff, too. Drives me crazy.

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Well, I took a look at the cookbook my DD loves, and it's copyright 1971! It was mine as a child. As NHDisneylover said, most "children's" cookbooks are about presentation and talk down to children. A simple adult cookbook might be a better choice. I'm fond of the Better Homes & Gardens one.

I agree with having ingredients on hand--maybe the next time they ask for cookies, make a batch with them. Then the time after that, just be "available for consultation", but stay out of the way. This is what I do with DD15--she likes to cook, but can be hesitant. So, she doesn't try new things unless I'm home, but I leave the room unless I'm called.

A couple other thoughts on kids cooking--the "name brand" recipes tend to be really good--Nestle or General Mills or whoever really wants you to use their products. Naturally, nothing's saying you can't use generic sugar/cocoa/oil. I happen to be fond of the Kraft site for recipes--I find them simple and tasty, and most ingredients are familiar.

Second, consider checking the internet for recipes from your favorite restaurants. Imagine their thrill if they could replicate those at home!

 

[NHdisneylover]

Well, I took a look at the cookbook my DD loves, and it's copyright 1971! It was mine as a child. As NHDisneylover said, most "children's" cookbooks are about presentation and talk down to children. A simple adult cookbook might be a better choice. I'm fond of the Better Homes & Gardens one.

I agree with having ingredients on hand--maybe the next time they ask for cookies, make a batch with them. Then the time after that, just be "available for consultation", but stay out of the way. This is what I do with DD15--she likes to cook, but can be hesitant. So, she doesn't try new things unless I'm home, but I leave the room unless I'm called.

A couple other thoughts on kids cooking--the "name brand" recipes tend to be really good--Nestle or General Mills or whoever really wants you to use their products. Naturally, nothing's saying you can't use generic sugar/cocoa/oil. I happen to be fond of the Kraft site for recipes--I find them simple and tasty, and most ingredients are familiar.

Second, consider checking the internet for recipes from your favorite restaurants. Imagine their thrill if they could replicate those at home!

Actually reading this I think that is the one we liked and not Betty Crocker. Is it red and white checked on front? If so that is it

I realized I may come across as trying to sound perfect or something. Faaaar from it. We walk to the corner for ice cream nearly every night in the summer, hit up the bakery for a pastry far to often and we have frozen mozzarella sticks with dinner about once a week People who really make everything from scratch, only use whole grains and organics and cook full meals every night amaze me.

ETA--YES it is the Better Homes and Gardens book. This one: http://www.amazon.com/Better-Garden...=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1279050743&sr=1-2

 

[luvsmickeymouse]

Dear Ang,

Unfortunately I have bad news for you. It's only going to get worse. My son came home from college in May. My food bill has gone up $200 bucks. and I'm telling you, we are not eating steaks.

I made a roast chicken Sunday for dinner, my husband and I had a party to go to so we were not eating at home. Stupid me, I'm thinking no problem this meal will last 2 nights. My 2 sons ate an entire roast chicken, a ton of broccoli and mac and cheese.

So it's just not junk food. I do buy treats but generally when it's gone that it, no more until I go shopping again. My youngest will slice 3 apples and eat it with a tub of peanut butter.

I feel your pain.

I had to laugh when I read about the roasted chicken. I remember when my kids were teens. We would finish dinner and the chicken skeleton would be sitting on a plate in the middle of the table. LOL! If there was any left, they would make a sandwich that same night. That is after mashed potatoes, (real, not instant) and vegetable and bread.

 

[clutter]

Actually reading this I think that is the one we liked and not Betty Crocker. Is it red and white checked on front? If so that is it

Just wanted to second (third?) this cookbook for kids. My dd13 loves it. With her, I don't have to worry about snacks. She's not much for junk food (except Tastykake Chocolate Juniors!) and would much rather have leftovers than anything else. I wish she would eat easy, portable foods.

 

[disneyjunkie]

Dear Ang,

Unfortunately I have bad news for you. It's only going to get worse. My son came home from college in May. My food bill has gone up $200 bucks. and I'm telling you, we are not eating steaks.

I made a roast chicken Sunday for dinner, my husband and I had a party to go to so we were not eating at home. Stupid me, I'm thinking no problem this meal will last 2 nights. My 2 sons ate an entire roast chicken, a ton of broccoli and mac and cheese.

So it's just not junk food. I do buy treats but generally when it's gone that it, no more until I go shopping again. My youngest will slice 3 apples and eat it with a tub of peanut butter.

I feel your pain.

I could have written this thread. My son eats nonstop. I miss him when he's away, but I his nonstop eating is killing me.

 

[apnep]

...Or you can get a small van for grocery shopping. lol Good luck with dinner.

Hahahaha! Good ideas, thanks.

 

[apnep]

People who really make everything from scratch, only use whole grains and organics and cook full meals every night amaze me.

ETA--YES it is the Better Homes and Gardens book. This one: http://www.amazon.com/Better-Garden...=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1279050743&sr=1-2

I usually make dinner every night, use mostly whole grains, and I make most of my stuff from scratch. I try to make enough so we have leftovers at least twice a week. I guess I amaze you. And I can do it in 30 minutes or less. Take that Rachel Ray! I need my own show...and a million dollars. Just kidding...

I actually have that book in soft cover, but it's been used so much the pages have all fallen out of the binder and are all out of order. Come to think of it, that cookbook is the one I learned to cook with...except using my mom's...the one with the hard cover. I should go get another one cuz it gives instruction on the differenct kinds of dicing and slicing and such...

 

[NHdisneylover]

I usually make dinner every night, use mostly whole grains, and I make most of my stuff from scratch. I try to make enough so we have leftovers at least twice a week. I guess I amaze you. And I can do it in 30 minutes or less. Take that Rachel Ray! I need my own show...and a million dollars. Just kidding...

Nope--not amazing. Left overs twice a week and hot pockets for lunch in summer falls into the normal category for me. I make most things from scratch too and use whole grains and what not. Haven't been "cooking" in the heat wave; lots of tomato mozzarella salads and the like, bust still healthy stuff. We try to avoid leftovers (not that much space in a German fridge) and I don't bake much bread from scratch anymore because the local bakeries are so good (and do not use HFCS or preservatives). I don't think my children would know what a hot pocket was (or Ramen Noodles and they will not touch boxed mac n cheese--but DS does love PBJ roundwhiches at Disney World) .No, I am amazed by people who do three full meals a day every day from scratch and manage to never have sweets (though I am not sure that is wise) etc. (sorry that I am not bowing down to your greatness in getting dinner every night--I do not think you doing anything all that wrong; just nothing amaze worthy either)

I actually have that book in soft cover, but it's been used so much the pages have all fallen out of the binder and are all out of order. Come to think of it, that cookbook is the one I learned to cook with...except using my mom's...the one with the hard cover. I should go get another one cuz it gives instruction on the differenct kinds of dicing and slicing and such...

See--it is a great book The hard cover, binder style one seems to be much easier on beginning cooks for some reason.

 

[apnep]

Nope--not amazing...I don't think my children would know what a hot pocket was (or Ramen Noodles and they will not touch boxed mac n cheese...No, I am amazed by people who do three full meals a day every day from scratch. (sorry that I am not bowing down to your greatness in getting dinner every night...

Who does 3 full meals from scratch daily? People still do that??? Wow, you got me beat if your kids don't even know what Ramen or hot pockets are!

For what it's worth, I AM amazing!

Bwaaaaahahahahahahahhaa!

 

[NHdisneylover]

Who does 3 full meals from scratch daily? People still do that??? Wow, you got me beat if your kids don't even know what Ramen or hot pockets are!

For what it's worth, I AM amazing!

Bwaaaaahahahahahahahhaa!

I had a friend in Wyoming who did AND she ground her own grain. I kid you not. Now her I totally bow down to.

My kids know what plenty of other junk is--but truly not those (we also had no TV for the last 4 or so years that we were in the US which I am sure helped on the junk food front).

And i am SURE you are amazing. I'll tell your kids that if you'll tell mine I am amazing.

 

[java]

Thanks for the idea! I am going to get my older 2 to cook a meal this week. Tomorrow I'll let them pick a recipe then we'll shop and they'll try their hand at cooking it.
I might do it also with the 2 younger ones. (My 7 year old loves to cook- real food-)

I am also going to try to make some of those pampered chef chicken braid things individually- then freeze a couple for quick lunches for all of us(I don't know why I never thought to make little ones we all love the big one)

 

[apnep]

Well, Hadley, I just noticed you are in Germany. Duh!! I didn't even notice until now...

 

[NHdisneylover]

Well, I just noticed you are in Germany. Duh!! I didn't even notice until now...

We have only been here a year and a half though--so plenty of time was had to eat US crap. German crap is better--no HFCS and essentially no preservatives. It makes feeding everyone healthy food that much easier. And the produce tastes SO much better (even better than the CSA and pick your own things in the US, I have no idea how they do it--but even the kids comment on it).