On March 27, 1947 Betty Mac Donald published the first book in her successful Mrs. Piggle Wiggle series. Today these books are recognized as childhood classics. I can still remember the enjoyment gained as my boys and I would read these books together. In chapter seven of the first book, Mrs. Piggle Wiggle, a witty and unusual woman loved by both children and parents, attempts to dispense a practical cure for a slow and picky eater. A common misbehavior in children, Mrs. Piggle Wiggle once again successfully finds a cure!
Unfortunately little has changed since Ms. Mac Donald wrote her book. Challenges with picky eaters are still common concerns expressed by parents. The following suggestions and activities will help you encourage your children to eat new foods and make healthy choices.
• Make an effort to eat dinner at home at least five times a week
• Have your children help you write out your weekly menu; make healthy choices
• Make a map of the grocery store and encourage your children to help you find the items on your list
• Making and sticking to your list will not only save you money, but will help you and your children make healthy choices
• Be sure to include your children in the preparation of the meals
• Encourage your children to try at least one new food per week and mark the new foods they eat daily on a poster board using stickers, stars, etc.
• Choose a theme for dinner; Chinese New Year, Valentine’s Day, or cultural themes
• Encourage children to create their own recipes or to try new ones
• Invest time in writing a family cookbook; take pictures of your family preparing meals together
Children are more willing to try new foods if they shop and help prepare meals with their families. There are several additional benefits from cooking with your children. Cooking will help increase your child’s self esteem and motivate them to be more adventurous in their choices. Time spent in the kitchen builds family relationships. Tangible results are seen when children prepare food. Math and science are both used in the kitchen and preparing recipes from other countries encourages children to learn geography and history. Finally, learning kitchen basics is a lifelong skill.
Pumpkin Pancakes
Try this recipe with your family; you’ll love it!
2 c. unbleached all-purpose flour
3 tbsp. light brown sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ground allspice
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. salt
1.5 c. milk
1 c. pumpkin puree
1 egg
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
2 tbsp. white vinegar
Combine all ingredients and mix well. Cook on griddle over medium/high heat. Once bubbles form, turn pancakes over.
Enjoy with real maple syrup, homemade whipped cream, cinnamon, and chopped nuts.
Hello, I’m Elise Johnson and I’m so glad you found your way here! From my own experience, cooking and eating together as a family nurtures and strengthens family relationships quicker and stronger than any other way. Join me as I continue my grandmother’s legacy of
inter-generational cooking by inspiring families and friends to make memories in the kitchen. 
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