Do your kids eat green?

How many of us complain that our kiddos - especially the toddlers -  don't eat enough greens?
Here is what has worked for me. First, I don't have a negative attitude towards vegetables. As in, I don't say out loud to my children, "I hate vegetables. Kids, just choke down your veggies because they are good for you." We actually enjoy fruits and vegetables around here - organic makes it taste sweeter and better - and we tend to grow only fruits and vegetables we really like to eat. Why grow something you dont' want to eat?


Second, my kids help plant the vegetables. A few months ago, my 3 year old helped plant seeds (spinach pictured here) and throughout the following weeks, help me water and tend to the plants - often taking samples.








Third, they help harvest the vegetables. They ALWAYS have free reign over eating from the garden. They can eat what they want since that is one of the reasons I grow it! (they especially like to operate the salad spinner)

And Fourth, I throw greens into everything. Smoothies, sauces, pasta, dishes - it is not unusual in the least to have green flecks in their food.

My recent and best discovery? I found Popsicle molds at IKEA and I will freeze smoothies into them. My favorite smoothie recipe: 2-3 cups of frozen fruit (I like the wawona mix from Costco), 1 c. of cottage cheese, 1/2 c. of milk (enough to let the smoothie mix), and a ripe banana. Once mixed up, I add 2-3 handfuls of fresh spinach. It looks green once mixed, but tastes like heaven.

Nothing artificial in this "Popsicle"!

Linking to Tuesday Garden Party at Oregon Cottage. Want garden ideas? Check the links!!