Involving kids in meal planning not only makes mealtime more exciting, but it also teaches them valuable skills about food and nutrition. Here are three fun examples of ways to let kids take the reins when it comes to planning meals for the week!
This activity encourages creativity and decision-making skills as kids randomly select meals from a jar.
Set up a meal planning jar by collecting small pieces of paper and colorful markers. Each family member can write down their favorite meal on a separate piece of paper, whether it’s spaghetti, tacos, or pizza. Once you’ve gathered a variety of meal ideas, fold the papers and place them in the jar. At the beginning of the week, let each child draw a meal from the jar to decide what the family will have for dinner that night. This way, everyone gets a say, and kids will love the surprise element of not knowing what meal will be picked!
Notes: You can also include categories such as breakfasts, lunches, and snacks in the jar. Consider having a theme night, like