Getting kids excited about healthy food can be challenging. However, if you allow them to be involved in preparing the food, they might be more open to try it! One fun way to introduce a variety of fruits to your child is to make homemade popsicles together. This is the perfect family activity for these hot summer days.
Here are a few tips to help them participate:
- Have them watch you cut the fruit. While you’re doing this, talk to them about what colors they see, have them smell it, and if they are willing, you can ask them if they want to take a bite.
- Wash hands, then have the child place the chopped fruit into separate containers. This will make it easier for your child to help pour the ingredients into the blender.
- Let them taste test each fruit before blending. After you blend the ingredients, walk your child through the steps of smelling, licking, and tasting your finished product before pouring it into your popsicle mold. Describe the flavors, and determine which fruit you can taste the strongest!
This is one of my favorite recipes for easy-to-make popsicles:
- 2 cups of fruit (the fruit can be frozen or fresh and you can choose any combination of fruits. Some of our favorites are strawberry, blueberry, peach, pineapple, raspberry, blackberry, and mango)
- 1 ½ cup of yogurt (regular or Greek yogurt)
- Optional: You can add honey to make it even sweeter
Combine all of the ingredients into a blender until fully blended, pour into popsicle molds, and freeze for 4-5 hours. Once they are thoroughly frozen, you can enjoy your cool summer treat!
For more popsicle recipes, I found the following website helpful: https://babyfoode.com/blog/15-healthy-popsicle-recipes-for-toddlers-kids/. If you have any concerns with your child’s development, give us a call at TEAM 4 Kids!
Katie Pell, MS, CCC-SLP