You all know that encouraging picky eaters is a cause that’s dear to my heart. I’ve kept no secrets about my own dinnertime struggles with two “choosey eaters”. I know that this is a problem that plagues many of you as well. So how do you turn meal time back into fun time? Play with your food, of course!
When I first heard about Crunch a Color I was ecstatic. It seemed to be just what I’d been looking for to end the power struggles around the dinner table. Crunch a Color is a game where kids earn points based on what they choose to eat for the day. The number of points vary from 5 points for things like grapes, apples, and potatoes, up to 15 points if they choose something like asparagus, spinach, or eggplant. The goal is to earn 30 points each day and then at the end of the week they can earn a prize. The genius here is that by approaching food this way there is absolutely no reason for your child to resist eating. They’re no longer eating a food because you say so, they’re motivated by that daily goal.
I knew immediately that this would be embraced by my competitive six year old, and boy was it! After a day or two of learning the ropes I found her rummaging through the refrigerator looking for bok choy. She wasn’t even sure what bok choy was, but she was determined to get those points. You see bonus points are awarded for trying a new food, so new foods became the targets she zeroed in on in a hurry. As we started the second week I began making my grocery list for the weekly shopping and asked Sophie if there was anything she’d like to add. In a flash she was standing next to me with her deck of cards naming a rainbow of fruits and vegetables.
In addition to food choices, there are several ways to earn a few extra points during the week, my favorite one being “Start a conversation at the dinner table”. With just that small suggestion a new habit has been formed – every night Sophie asks us about our day. So not only are we no longer at a standoff over what’s on her plate, we’re actually talking and, dare I say, smiling during dinner. Amazing!
I simply can’t say enough good things about Crunch a Color. As soon as I saw it working for us I couldn’t wait to share this Picky Eater Strategy with you all. It’s easy to see why this creative, Mom-invented game has won so many awards and has earned the endorsement of Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution.
For those of you who love the idea of raising kids who love to eat healthy, natural foods, Crunch a Color is something I highly recommend. At only $12.95 (with 5% donated to charity), it’s a steal. To find out more about Crunch a Color and to learn where you can buy your own game visit CrunchaColor.com.
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