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A Balanced Budget
Feeding Your Family Frugally
By Cheryl Loux
"Get your kids involved in the meal planning process," says Peck. "Ask them what they want to eat." You can give your child a choice of, for example, strawberries or bananas. Peck also suggests letting your children choose a fruit or vegetable they've never had before. This is a wonderful benefit because it helps them to discover new foods on their own. Just remember – make it fun!
Involving your children in meal preparations is also beneficial. Toddlers can help make a salad by tearing lettuce into little pieces. Older children can grate cheese or carrots. Allowing your children to assist in the kitchen during meal preparation helps them take an active role in the transition to better eating.
"We have our children take turns helping put groceries away, get items needed for meal preparation, make drinks and set the table," says Jones. "We're trying to teach them that it takes a lot of time and preparation to feed our family and everyone can help out. It's part of being a family – we're here to serve each other."
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