Playing and eating go hand in hand when it comes to a child’s happiness and nutrition. A happy child tends to have a better appetite and absorbs nutrients more effectively, naturally leading to improved digestion and a more positive attitude towards food, making it easier to introduce new dishes that the child might have previously rejected.
This is a clever trick that mothers are sharing: Playing while eating – eating without realizing it. Instead of sitting down at the dinner table with full plates of food, mothers can prepare small, easy-to-hold snacks and encourage children to participate in playful activities such as pretend cooking, food decoration, or even hosting a small party for their dolls.
Why playtime is also “absorption” time?
Happy children → reduced stress hormones → better digestion
When children feel joyful, their brains release positive hormones, making them feel relaxed and happy. This creates a good mood, which in turn boosts their digestion.
Increased light physical activity → body needs energy → ready to absorb
Physical play, such as running, jumping, dancing, or playing tag, helps children develop physically and stimulates their appetite. When children expend energy, their bodies naturally seek new energy sources to compensate, making it an ideal time to introduce a variety of foods.
Offer small, easy-to-hold snacks during playtime.
Mothers can sneak in nutritious foods during play without children being wary
While children are engaged in fun activities, mothers can cleverly introduce nutritious foods without creating pressure.
For example, create small, easy-to-hold snacks for children to nibble on while playing. Intriguingly shaped and cut vegetable and fruit pieces will spark their interest and make them more inclined to try them.
Combining play and eating brings nutritional benefits and helps children develop social and thinking skills. When children play together, they learn to share, cooperate, and communicate…
Suggestions for nutritious and convenient snacks during playtime
Warm or chilled milk
Warm or chilled milk is an excellent choice—delicious and nutritious. A box of tasty, easily digestible milk helps children absorb nutrients gently and effectively.
Mothers can create games like “drinking with stuffed animals,” where children drink milk while playing with their favorite toys. This stimulates interest and helps form a habit of drinking milk regularly without feeling constrained.
Warm or chilled milk is a fantastic option.
Additionally, mothers can organize activities like “energizing before the competition,” where children are encouraged to drink milk as part of their preparation for active play.
Strawberry milkshake (less sugar)
This drink, made primarily from fresh strawberries and milk, is rich in vitamin C and supports children’s immune systems.
To make it more exciting, mothers can organize a “who can stir faster” contest. Children can be divided into teams and challenged to see who can stir their milkshake the fastest while retaining the best flavor.
Strawberry and milk milkshake is rich in vitamin C.
Sliced or diced bananas
Bananas are rich in potassium, which helps maintain cardiovascular health and balance electrolytes in the body. Potassium is also an essential mineral that provides children with gentle energy, supporting their play and learning activities.
Mothers can be more creative by using sliced or diced bananas as “coins” to reward children after they complete games.
For instance, after completing a jigsaw puzzle, children will be delighted to receive delicious banana pieces as a reward.
Bananas are abundant in potassium, which is beneficial for heart health and electrolyte balance.
Smoothie with crushed strawberries and yogurt
This combination of yogurt and crushed strawberries contains probiotics, which aid digestion, balance the gut microbiota, and boost immunity. These beneficial bacteria not only improve nutrient absorption but also prevent digestive issues like constipation.
To make yogurt more appealing, mothers can serve it in colorful trays.
Mothers can also organize small games around yogurt consumption. For example, children can participate in a “treasure hunt” game, where they must choose a “gem” (yogurt) within a set time.
Yogurt with crushed strawberries supports digestion and gut health.
Oatmeal banana sandwich cookies (homemade)
Made mainly from oatmeal and bananas, these cookies are rich in fiber and provide energy without causing a heavy feeling. Mothers can make eye-catching oatmeal banana sandwich cookies in fun shapes like hearts, stars, or children’s favorite cartoon characters.
To add more fun, mothers can use the cookies as “vouchers” that children can exchange for completing obstacles in a home challenge. For instance, after finishing a puzzle or a small task, children will receive a cookie as a reward.
Create captivating oatmeal banana sandwich cookies.
Raising children doesn’t have to be serious all the time. With a bit of cleverness and subtlety, playtime can become a time for digestion, development, and happiness for both mother and child. Sometimes, a sip of milk during a laughter-filled moment can be more beneficial than a timely meal.
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