The Independent-News, Volume 100, Number 37, Walkerton, St. Joseph County, 11 April 1974 — Page 22

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by Alan W. Farrant “I don’t want my dinner,” whines your child. The scene is familiar to many mothers. How to fill the added inches to the small frames with nourishing food? There is no magic answer. None. It is said Fairy Godmothers can turn pumpkins into carriages, but they supply no solution for turning vegetables into appetizing dishes for the nursery set. So Mother tries another strategy and finds it includes at least one of the following: 1. Plenty of exercise in the fresh air, but without over-heating in the summer —or getting too cold during winter. 2. Cooler food. Perhaps you've been serving only hot dishes, so try cold items for a change. It can be more appetizing to small fry, just as it is to adults. 3. Prepare it attractively. A little effort in this direction can do much to save the cook’s nerves.

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Getting the Kids to Eat

4. Vary the surroundings. Instead of always serving Junior at the kitchen table, try the bedroom and the back porch. 5. Let the child take part in preparations according to his ability. He will be much more interested in eating the finished product. 6. Cut down on filling, starchy snacks. Substitute fresh fruit, carrot or celery sticks, or Popsicles made from fruit juices or pudding mixes. (Plastic molds may be purchased. or Mother may use ice cube trays as molds and purchase sticks for handles.) 7. Don't ever urge your child to eat. To do so will only result in that you antagonize him. If you will give the matter some serious thought, you’ll come up with other ideas. Such as: Remember that to a child, cold sliced beef, pork, ham or lamb aren’t leftovers when served sliced.

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For many mothers, one of the best methods — because the effect lasts for years —is to let Junior help cook and prepare the meal. Many youngsters are more interested in eating the foods they help to prepare than those done without their knowledge and assistance. And while doing their cooking, they should not be allowed to eat ‘‘free samples,” because this will dull their appetites. It is wise not to give a child something to cook which requires constant stirring or other close attention. Young arms tire easily, and interest has a tendency to wane. Children want to help. There is no real reason why cooking should not come easily to them with a little encouragement on your part. The child’s desire to help is merely the unconscious urge to find security in his Mother’s companionship, and be reassured of her love. Let your child share the kitchen, not shy away from it.