Crafts and Snacks Inspired by Eric Carle

 Calling all crafty critters and curious caterpillars! Are you looking for a fun way to spark creativity and ignite a love for art in your little ones? Then dive into the wonderful world of Eric Carle!

Eric Carle, the beloved author and illustrator behind classics like "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?", is known for his vibrant collages and whimsical characters. His art style is not only visually captivating but also surprisingly easy to recreate, making him the perfect inspiration for engaging and educational crafts for children of all ages.

A World of Colourful Creations:

This blog post is your one-stop shop for exploring Eric Carle-inspired crafts! We'll be featuring a variety of tutorials designed to bring your favorite Carle characters to life. Get ready to:

• Chomp Your Way Through a Colorful Caterpillar: We'll show you how to create a delightful "Very Hungry Caterpillar" using construction paper, paint, and some wiggle eyes.
• See What the Brown Bear Sees: Craft a vibrant menagerie of animals inspired by "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" using tissue paper and cardstock.
• Let Your Creativity Bloom: Unleash your inner artist with a Carle-inspired collage project. We'll guide you through creating beautiful textured paper using paints and household objects, perfect for crafting anything your imagination desires!

Be sure to click through the links below to view the full tutorials.

Cotton Ball Polar Bears by Simply Full of Delight

Apple Printed Caterpillars by Sweet Silly Sara

Eric Carle Style Easter Eggs by Red Ted Art

Egg Carton Caterpillar by Crafty Art Ideas

Hungry Caterpillar Fruit Pizzas by A Little Pinch of Perfect

Mixed Media Hungry Caterpillar Art  by Kids Activities Blog

Thumbprint Caterpillars by Simply Full of Delight

Easy Egg Carton and Pipe Cleaner Caterpillars by Simply Full of Delight

Very Busy Spider Snack by The Healthy Family Project

Hungry Caterpillar Sensory Snack by A Little Pinch of Perfect

Hungry Caterpillar Puppets by Messy Little Monster

Hungry Caterpillar Cupcakes by Imaginative Homeschool

Two Headed Paper Plate Snakes by In the Playroom

Hungry Caterpillar Sensory Bin by Mama of Mini’s

Hungry Caterpillar Cookies by Buttercream Parties

Eric Carle Apple Cookies by The Monday Box

Hermit Crab Craft by Little Ladoo

Brown Bear Bento Box by Healthy Family Project

Beyond the Craft Table:

The beauty of Eric Carle crafts is that they're more than just fun activities. They can be a springboard for learning and exploration. Here are some ways to extend the experience:

• Story Time Fun: After crafting your favorite Carle characters, revisit the original books and act out the stories together.
• Explore Colors: Use your Carle creations as a jumping-off point to discuss different colors, shapes, and textures.
• Animal Adventures: Learn about the different animals featured in Carle's books and their habitats.

So grab your scissors, glue, and a sprinkle of creativity – it's time to embark on an artistic adventure inspired by the world of Eric Carle! Stay tuned for our upcoming craft tutorials, where we'll show you step-by-step how to create these delightful projects and bring the magic of Carle's art to life!

Find more awesome crafts for kids:

Easy Ipad stands

Lego Stamped Pumpkins

Apple Process Art

Summer Hunger Solutions: Free Meals for Kids This Season

As summer approaches, families face the challenge of ensuring their children continue to receive nutritious meals while school is out. With the end of the school year, many children who rely on school-provided meals may find themselves at risk of hunger. Fortunately, numerous programs across the country offer free summer meals for kids, providing a vital solution to this seasonal challenge. Here’s an overview of how these programs work and how you can access them to ensure your children remain well-fed and healthy throughout the summer.

Understanding the Need

Summer can be a difficult time for families who rely on school meal programs. According to the USDA, many children who benefit from free or reduced-price meals during the school year are at risk of food insecurity during the summer months. This can impact their health, development, and overall well-being. Recognizing this issue, various programs have been established to bridge the gap and provide consistent, nutritious meals when school is not in session.

Free Summer Meals for Kids: An Overview

The primary initiative to combat summer hunger is the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by state agencies. This program offers free summer meals to children and teens up to age 18. Meals are provided at community locations such as schools, parks, and recreation centers, where children can enjoy a healthy meal while engaging in summer activities.

Key Features of the Program:

• No Cost to Families: All meals are provided at no cost to children and their families, eliminating financial barriers to access.

• Nutritionally Balanced Meals: Meals provided through the SFSP are designed to meet the nutritional needs of growing children, offering balanced options that include fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy.

• Multiple Locations: Meals are served at a variety of community locations, often in areas with high concentrations of children from low-income families. This ensures that children can access meals close to home.

• No Enrollment Required: Children do not need to register or apply to receive meals. They simply need to visit a participating site during meal times.

How to Find Free Summer Meals for Kids

Finding a local program is straightforward. Here’s how you can locate free summer meals for kids in your area:

1. Check the USDA’s Summer Meal Site Finder: The USDA provides an online tool called the Summer Meal Site Finder, which allows you to search for local meal sites by entering your location. This tool provides addresses, meal times, and contact information for nearby sites.

2. Contact Local Schools and Community Centers: Many schools and community centers participate in the SFSP and can provide information on meal sites. Contact your local school district or community center to inquire about summer meal programs.

3. Visit Local Food Banks and Nonprofits: Local food banks and nonprofit organizations often partner with the SFSP to provide meals. They can offer information on meal sites and additional resources available in your community.

4. Look for Flyers and Announcements: During the summer, you may find flyers or announcements about free meal programs at community centers, libraries, and other public places. These materials often provide details on where and when meals are served.

The Impact of Summer Meal Programs

The availability of free summer meals has a significant positive impact on children and families. By providing consistent access to nutritious food, these programs help prevent summer hunger and support children’s overall health and well-being. Additionally, these programs contribute to academic readiness, as well-fed children are better able to focus on learning and development.

Community Benefits:

• Reduced Food Insecurity: By offering free meals, these programs help reduce food insecurity in communities with high needs.

• Enhanced Child Well-Being: Access to nutritious meals supports physical health and contributes to better mental and emotional well-being.

• Strengthened Community Engagement: Meal sites often serve as community hubs, bringing families together and fostering a sense of community.

Free summer meals for kids are a crucial resource for families during the school break. By taking advantage of programs like the Summer Food Service Program, you can ensure that your children continue to receive healthy, balanced meals throughout the summer. With multiple resources available to help locate meal sites and access these services, there’s no need for any child to go hungry. Embrace these summer hunger solutions and provide your children with the nourishment they need to thrive all season long.

Learning Through Play: The Educational Benefits of Introducing Kids to Gaming

 In today's digital world, it is typical for children to grow up playing video games. Despite being often seen as entertainment alone, they can also be an educational influence. Introduction to gaming can bolster children’s learning outcomes, develop soft skills, and help them learn without getting bored. This guide will help you understand how video games help kids learn, and how it might benefit your child's development.

1) Improved Cognitive Skills:

Cognitive functions’ or thinking abilities refer to memory, attention, and problem-solving. Video games are effective at improving cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. Many games involve understanding and executing complex strategies through sequences, or memorization, and adapting to the needs of the moment with player-operated tools. 

Games such as “mahjong” challenge the young to think abstractly and use deductive reasoning to solve puzzles. Making strategic decisions, navigation, and problem-solving are part and parcel of video gaming these days.

Via Pexels

2) Fostering Cooperation and Communication:

Apart from in-class lessons, multiplayer games in particular provide a valuable extracurricular platform for children to learn working together and clearly express themselves. Titles like “Minecraft” and “Fortnite” are much more crafted for teamwork; players can help each other out, give away resources, coalesce to achieve mutual objectives, etc. 

These interactions through gaming are more fun and engaging than isolated efforts and help the young ones understand a few other necessary social cues such as teamwork, and negotiation, and have confidence in putting forth original ideas. Secondly, these games train kids in a lot of social skills that are necessary for group projects and collaboration with a team once they start their jobs.

3) Raising Historical Awareness:

In some cases, video games serve as an interactive history lesson by placing players in alternate cultures or historical periods. These games use historical settings to educate players about various periods and locations, including Egypt, Rome, and France. 

These games enhance historical interest among players by highlighting historical facts and events. Games such as these let children grasp the complex parts of many civilizations throughout human history and different historical contexts, which can be used to augment textbooks’ accounts and lessons given in class.

4) Building Technical and Digital Literacy:

In this ‘always on’ digital economy, technical skills are available to almost all. Video games usually present complex user interfaces that players must navigate while troubleshooting problems and mastering unfamiliar forms of digital experiences. 

With games such as “Roblox” users run through coding and development resources. While not sinking as far in touch typing as some of the other games, it does tick off several other soft competencies through its fictional narrative story-driven content as well.

Via Pexels

5) Language and Reading Skills VR Games:

This happens to erudition because the video games’ stories require type understanding. Role-playing games (RPGs) like “Final Fantasy” or “The Elder Scrolls” series make players read a lot through quest text dialogue options and item descriptions.

Many games feature words and sentences that are rich in complexity, which helps children improve reading comprehension. Games with stories such as these hooked adolescents up by having them invest time in thinking of ideas that make narrative sense.

6) Strategic thinking; Planning:

Conversely, playing a strategy game requires it. This is why all names such as “Civilization” and “StarCraft” require players to plant crops and mine ores all while demanding constant observation and tactical decision-making. For one to succeed, they must consider many other aspects as well as what is immediately in front of them. 

Through taking part in these strategy-based games, kids can garner the importance of foresight, resource management, and strategic planning. These abilities can be utilized in real-world scenarios such as having to balance doing homework for all types of classes, something that requires changing between subjects now and again.

7) Medium for Relaxation and Stress Relief:

The emphasis has been placed on education, learning, and skills training, but the importance of relaxation and stress relief should not be neglected. Children these days are overburdened with assignments and other commitments put by the schools and so going back home, turning on their favorite game will let them unwind rather than get busy all over again. Ensuring her balanced approach toward these games will give the benefits of education along with the fun.

In conclusion, colorful, relaxing, and multi-layered fun video games can inspire child-friendly, real-world learning in all sorts of tools’. Opening a new world can support your child in various ways, with the necessary supervision and adult control, parents can relax and allow their children to develop.

Mother's Milk: The Vital Role of Breastfeeding in Infant Health

 

Breastfeeding has been an integral part of human life since time immemorial. It is a means of nourishment and a profound bond between a mother and her child. In recent years, the scientific community has delved deeper into the benefits of breastfeeding, shedding light on its vital role in infant health.

From bolstering the immune system to promoting optimal growth and development, the advantages of breastfeeding are manifold and far-reaching. However, many mothers still don't breastfeed their infants for an adequate amount of time. According to Health Policy Watch, only 48% of mothers breastfeed exclusively globally. It is 2% behind the target the World Health Assembly has set for 2025.

This article explores the crucial role that mother's milk plays in the health and well-being of infants.

The Biological Foundation

Nature has meticulously designed breast milk to meet the specific nutritional needs of infants. It is a complex fluid comprising a perfect balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. The first milk produced by a mother, known as colostrum, is particularly rich in antibodies and immune-boosting factors.

Colostrum is the baby's first line of defense against infections and sets the foundation for a robust immune system. An MDPI study states that the lactose content in breast milk depends on the stage of lactation. It ranges from 45 to 64.7 g/L in colostrum, then 48 to 73.7 g/L in transitional milk, and approximately 67.8 to 77 g/L in mature milk. Carbohydrate content is between 60 and 70 g/L, around 40% of the total caloric content.

Furthermore, breast milk contains essential enzymes and hormones that aid digestion and regulate various physiological processes in the infant's body. The unique composition of breast milk ensures optimal nutrient absorption and supports the development of healthy organs and tissues.

Immune Protection

One of the most remarkable aspects of breastfeeding is its role in providing immune protection to infants. Breast milk teems with antibodies, such as immunoglobulin A (IgA), which help combat pathogens and prevent infections.

These antibodies are tailored to the specific pathogens in the mother's environment, providing targeted protection to the infant. As mentioned in an NCBI study, it accounts for 90% of the total immunoglobulins. However, only 5% of immunoglobulin A is absorbed.

Research has shown that breastfed babies experience fewer episodes of diarrhea, respiratory infections, ear infections, etc. This helps them prevent common health issues arising from baby formula food. Consider the example of Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), which has been associated with baby formula.

According to TorHoerman Law, manufacturers like Similac, Enfamil, and others face NEC lawsuits. It has been found that cow-milk-based baby formula can lead to NEC development in infants. Therefore, the parents allege that these manufacturers knew or should have known about the potential harm.

Through an NEC lawsuit, the plaintiffs also seek compensation for the problems they have suffered. There are many lawsuits active in this aspect. These cases have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) 3026 to ensure the hearings proceed seamlessly.

Cognitive Development

The benefits of breastfeeding extend beyond physical health to cognitive development and academic achievement. Breast milk contains essential fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are crucial for brain development and function. Studies have found a positive correlation between breastfeeding duration and cognitive abilities later in life.

Breastfeeding fosters emotional bonding between the mother and child, promoting feelings of security and trust. This emotional connection lays the groundwork for infants' healthy social and emotional development.

Promoting Optimal Growth

Breastfeeding is pivotal in promoting optimal growth and weight gain in infants. The nutrients present in breast milk are highly bioavailable, meaning that they are easily absorbed and utilized by the baby's growing body. Breastfed babies are less likely to experience rapid weight gain and obesity in childhood. This reduces the risk of obesity-related health complications later in life.

Furthermore, breastfeeding helps regulate appetite and satiety cues, allowing infants to self-regulate their food intake and develop healthy eating habits early. This self-regulation of feeding can contribute to a lower risk of overeating and obesity in adulthood.

Maternal Health Benefits

The benefits of breastfeeding are not limited to infants alone; mothers also experience numerous health advantages. Breastfeeding stimulates the release of oxytocin, a hormone that promotes uterine contractions and helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size more quickly. This can reduce postpartum bleeding and expedite the recovery process for mothers. 

Additionally, breastfeeding has been associated with a lower risk of postpartum depression and anxiety. As stated in an article from womenshealth.gov, around 1 in 8 women have postpartum depression in the year after giving birth. During breastfeeding, close physical contact and emotional bonding release feel-good hormones like oxytocin and prolactin.

Breastfeeding has also been linked to a decreased risk of certain cancers in mothers, particularly breast and ovarian cancer. The act of breastfeeding helps to limit the number of menstrual cycles a woman experiences. Thus, it reduces her lifetime exposure to estrogen, which is known to influence the development of these types of cancers.

Societal and Environmental Impact

In addition to its health benefits, breastfeeding has significant societal and environmental implications. Breastfeeding is a sustainable and eco-friendly feeding option, requiring no manufacturing, packaging, or transportation processes associated with formula feeding. Families can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to environmental conservation by opting for breastfeeding.

Moreover, breastfeeding fosters a supportive and nurturing community among mothers, creating opportunities for peer support, knowledge sharing, and empowerment. Breastfeeding-friendly policies and initiatives can help remove barriers to breastfeeding in public spaces and workplaces. This can ensure that all mothers have the support and resources to breastfeed successfully.

Challenges and Solutions

While breastfeeding offers a myriad of benefits, it is not without its challenges. Many mothers face obstacles such as insufficient milk supply, latch difficulties, and breastfeeding-related discomfort. Moreover, societal norms and cultural beliefs surrounding breastfeeding can impact a mother's confidence and willingness to breastfeed publicly.

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that involves education, support, and advocacy. Healthcare providers are crucial in providing breastfeeding mothers with evidence-based information and practical support. Additionally, community-based initiatives and breastfeeding support groups can offer peer support, encouragement, and guidance to mothers navigating their breastfeeding journey.

In conclusion, mother's milk is more than just food. It is a powerful elixir that nourishes, protects, and nurtures infants in unparalleled ways. Breastfeeding offers many benefits beyond infancy, from bolstering the immune system to promoting optimal growth and development. By recognizing and supporting the importance of breastfeeding, we can empower mothers to give their children the best possible start in life.

The 4 Most Common Sports Injuries to Look Out for in Your Children

 Sports are a vital part of a child's development, promoting physical fitness, teamwork, and discipline. However, along with the countless benefits that sports offer, there is also the risk of injuries. Sports injuries in children are more common than we may realize and can have long-lasting consequences if not properly addressed. That is why understanding and preventing these injuries should be a top priority for parents, coaches, and healthcare professionals alike.

The importance of injury prevention cannot be overstated. By implementing preventive measures such as proper warm-up routines, adequate protective gear usage, regular conditioning exercises tailored to the specific sport involved - we can significantly reduce the risk of sports-related injuries in children.

1. Sprains and Strains: How to Recognize and Treat Them

Sprains and strains are common injuries that can occur during physical activities or accidents. One of the most common types of sprains is a sprained ankle, which can happen when the ligaments surrounding the ankle joint are stretched or torn. On the other hand, strained muscles occur when muscles or tendons are overstretched or torn. 

Both injuries can cause pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. Recognizing sprains and strains in children can be particularly challenging as they may not always communicate their discomfort effectively. Treating sprains and strains involves a combination of rest, ice therapy, compression with bandages or braces, elevation of the injured area to reduce swelling (known as R.I.C.E), as well as over-the-counter pain medications if necessary. It is important to seek medical attention if there is severe pain, inability to move the injured area, numbness or tingling sensations.

2. Fractures: Identifying Broken Bones and Seeking Proper Medical Attention

Fractures, especially in children, can be a cause of great concern for parents and caregivers. Identifying broken bones and seeking proper medical attention is crucial to ensure a swift recovery and prevent any long-term complications.

Understanding the different types of fractures is the first step in recognizing a potential injury. Fractures can range from simple hairline cracks to more complex breaks that may require surgical intervention. Common symptoms of a fracture include severe pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, and difficulty moving the affected area.

3. Overuse Injuries: Recognizing the Warning Signs and Promoting Rest and Recovery

Overuse injuries in young athletes are becoming increasingly common and can have a significant impact on their performance and overall well-being. It is crucial to recognize the warning signs of these injuries and take proactive steps to promote rest and recovery.

One such prevalent overuse injury that affects the iliotibial band, a thick band of tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh is iliotibial band syndrome. It often occurs in athletes who engage in repetitive activities like running or cycling. Recognizing the warning signs of IT Band syndrome, such as pain or tenderness on the outside of the knee or thigh, is essential for early intervention.

Promoting rest and recovery is vital in preventing overuse injuries from worsening or recurring. Encouraging young children to listen to their bodies and take breaks when needed can help prevent excessive strain on their muscles and joints.

4. Concussions: Understanding the Signs and Long-term Effects

Concussions are a serious concern, especially in sports-related activities. It is crucial to understand the signs and long-term effects associated with these head injuries to ensure the well-being of individuals, particularly children. Common signs include headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, nausea or vomiting, sensitivity to light or noise, and changes in sleep patterns. It is essential for parents, coaches, and teachers to be vigilant and proactive in identifying these symptoms.

However, the impact of concussions extends beyond immediate symptoms. Research has shown that there can be long-term effects associated with repeated concussions or inadequate recovery time. These effects can include cognitive impairments such as memory loss or difficulty concentrating, mood disorders like depression or anxiety, and even an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases later in life.

Conclusion

Preventing sports injuries not only safeguards the physical well-being of our young athletes but also ensures their continued participation in activities they love without interruption or fear. It allows them to develop their skills further while fostering a sense of confidence and resilience.

Computers And Tech For Kids – How To Raise A Child Who Can Code

 

Teaching kids how to code can be a challenge, especially for parents like us who do not have any technical background in computer science. But, thanks to new learning materials, apps, and software, we do not need to have extensive knowledge in the subject in order to guide our kids in their learning journey.

Nowadays, online learning tools and programs are becoming more and more accessible for everyone. On top of that, many parents are now starting to realize the importance of coding in today’s digital age.

With that said, we have created this guide to help you raise and guide your kids towards their learning journey to coding and programming.

 

Provide Access to Different Learning Tools

Gone are the days when kids have to learn coding by memorizing blocks of code just to print “Hello! World.” When you look at the modules or course syllabus for many coding programs these days, you would find that they no longer rely on the traditional method of teaching. Rather than read off of textbooks, beginners are now being introduced to the world of coding through programs and software like Scratch, Blockly, Swift, and so on.

That said, it would be a big help if you would help your kids gain access to the learning tools that they need. Doing this would not only make the learning process a lot easier but it would also give your kids an impression that you are supportive of their learning journey as well.

 

Make it Fun

Many parents often support their kids' interest in coding by enrolling them in different learning programs.

But before you enroll your kids in any coding for kids programs, you have to make sure that the learning program is good enough to sustain their interest in the long run. One of the many reasons why kids often quit halfway is because they start to get bored with the lesson and start to lose interest in coding.

So to avoid this, you have to make sure that the learning program is fun and enjoyable. Thankfully, several online coding programs are a lot more fun these days because they make use of games for educational purposes like Roblox, Minecraft, and many more.

 

Let them Explore on their Own

Given that coding is more of a trial and error process, it mainly teaches kids soft skills like perseverance and patience. But, other than that, coding also enables your kid to be more creative, curious, and independent.

Remember that coding is a complex subject and there are lots of areas to explore. For instance, they can learn different coding languages like Python, C, Java, Lua, Ruby, and many more.

Once your kids finally learn the fundamentals of coding and programming, you should start to introduce them to other areas that they might be interested in. Even if they are still undecided which coding language or subject areas they want to learn, it is still a great idea to keep their option open and let them know that there might be other topics that are more suitable for them.

 

Encourage them to Share Their Projects

The great thing about learning how to code these days is that there are tons of kids who are interested in coding as well. That said, the community around beginners and kid coders is vibrant and very encouraging.

So to boost your kids' confidence, you can encourage them to share their projects for other people to play or use. Doing so would not only boost their confidence, but it might also motivate other kids to learn to code as well. Other than that, other coders might also recommend a few tweaks that might make their project even better.

That said, sharing your kids' projects online is a win-win situation for everyone. It would boost your kids’ confidence, make them learn from other coders, and even motivate other kids to start learning how to code as well.

On that note, we, as parents, still have a big part to play in our kids’ learning journey to being a coder. Because no matter how interested they are in the subject, it is still up to us to keep their motivations up so that they can successfully learn.  

 

Parenting Guide: How to Deal with Notorious Kids Smartly

 

"Your kids require you most of all to love them for who they are, not to spend your whole time trying to correct them."

• Bill Ayers 

For once, you may think of agreeing with this thought, but what if you notice your naughty one playing mischievous plays with you? Well, as a parent to a naughty child, your tolerance level will be tested several times a day. When kids behave impossible, kids scream out their lungs just to get their favorite toy in their kitty. At such times, you may feel the urge to lose your temper and scold your child. 

But wait, such incidents can make things worse and impossible for you to handle further. So, what is the ultimate solution then? Well, it seems like you need to look through some interesting options to deal with your kids' mischievous behavior. 

Let's not wait anymore and explore how to manage a naughty child at home. 

#1- Manage the overwhelming emotions - There are times when your naughty child may feel the urge to express those powerful emotions, including - frustration, fear, and sudden sadness. Rather than feeling tired and irritated about this behavior, prefer to calm down and support your baby. This indicates understanding their weird mood swings, which is common to witness during childhood. 

#2 - Find ways to burn off their energy - Kids have an extensive amount of energy that needs to be burned off wisely. Otherwise, it may lead to many issues for you and your family. When their energy is not utilized properly, they may end up indulging themselves in a notorious activity. Rather than this, keep them occupied in hardcore physical activities like - running, cycling, playing outside, and much more. In no time, your child will start feeling exhausted, which will help him/her fall asleep quickly.

#3 - Find alternatives to everything - You need to be smart enough to deal with their trouble-making plays. For instance - if you are fed up buying new cosmetics and lipsticks that are often ruined by your little one, then go for sturdy child-resistant packaging bags that secure everything stored in it. Other examples can be - covering sharp objects in towels like - knives, blades, gardening equipment, etc., which often become a toy for naughty kids. 

#4 - Cook favorite meals - Making your kids eat nourishing meals is one of the daunting tasks almost every mother goes through. Here, the solution is to blend superfoods and nutrient value containing vegetables or fruits in their favorite meals. For instance - prepare multiple fruits-enriched smoothies for breakfast, mix and blend different vegetables in slurry or soups. This is the best way to ensure the intake of all grains and nutrients required for the child's development. 

The bottom line is that - 

Your child's behavior is the ultimate result of your behavior at home. Therefore, make sure you behave ideally to give your child enough good habits to learn and follow. Having restrictions on the child is a good idea to control wrong behavior but ensure it does not turn out to be negative on his/her behavior.