Not convinced your kids can eat in a foreign country? Here are some ideas to get them ready:
- skip the kids menu. I know it’s convenient and cheap but it’s also monotonous, predictable, boring and usually unhealthy. Encourage your kids to pick something off the main menu when you dine out. We often have the kids share an adult entree. It expands their taste buds! Keep it cost effective by bringing home leftovers to eat later. We have a rule that if we are eating at a ethnic restaurant the kids have to order within the specialties.
2. change up what you make at home. We all get in cooking ruts. Take inspiration from a future travel destination. Some favorites at our house (bonus is they’re quick too) include Cheena Masala, Falafel night, Tortilla Espanola.
3. share your meal. Many of our favorites have been born by samples from Mom and Dad’s plates. Seriously, who thinks grape leaves look good the first time around? But, a low key try from someone else’s dish is a great, low risk way to sample!
4. practice what you preach. talk about what you like and what you’ve never tried and experience new foods with your kids. Don’t pass on your pickiness. We all do this as parents. Our kids learn from our tendencies. If you’re scared of spiders then your kid probably will be too. If you won’t eat oysters then it’s unlikely your kid will. If you want an adventurous eater, then you will have to model that.
5. learn while you eat. Our kids love to learn about other cultures. They’re more likely to try food if we talk about the country it originates from. Plus, there are lots of differences in cultures surrounding food. In Japan we learned correct chopstick etiquette and the value of slurping. Read more here.
6. feed your baby spice. our tendency as parents might be to stay pretty bland for our babies. But, it broadens their palates if you introduce a variety of spice early in their lives. Remember, babies don’t know any better. Just because traditionally it’s not a baby food doesn’t mean a baby can’t eat it. Give them curry, give them fennel, give them citrus, give them all the things!
Disclaimer: this is not meant to be a mom/dad/parent shaming post. These are just some things we have learned along the way that have helped us have adventurous eaters which is definitely easier and more fun when traveling. But, if this is not you or not your kid no judgement. We all have things as parents. You should see my great room right now! #messy
