Mary Ann Dames, M.S., R.D.

Children's Author and Registered Dietitian
Food and Fun

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Nutrition Notes and More

Contents
-- All recipes are original and copyrighted.
-- What makes the Kid-Friendly recipes on Reading, Writing, and Recipes kid-friendly?
-- Foods to use with caution with toddlers
-- Who is in control? Dealing with picky eaters
-- Links to Nutrition Notes

All recipes on this site and blog are original unless otherwise noted. Feel free to link to them. For other uses, please ask permission as they are copyrighted and owned by me. Thank you.

What makes the Kid-Friendly recipes on Reading, Writing, and Recipes kid-friendly?

As a mom and a registered dietitian, I want kids to have a healthy relationship with foods. As a children's author, I want kids to fall in love with books and reading. My focus on this web page is on creating recipes for healthy children ages 4 to 8. A rule of thumb for them and adults is that all foods are okay in moderation. We know there are exceptions. Use your judgment and knowledge of what is safe for your own children.

I want recipes which are easy to fix and fun to eat. Of course, there exceptions as each child's capability differs as does each parent’s comfort level of what a child is allowed to do in the kitchen. In addition, not all the recipes are for the younger set for I create recipes to compliment books for all ages.

Foods to use with caution with toddlers

Although the Kid-Friendly Recipes are meant for children ages 4 and up, I recognize some adults might use these with younger children. Also, not all children reach the same level of physical ability by a set age. Be warned that the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that toddlers should not be offered the following foods due to choking risks.
-- Hot dogs, unless cut lengthwise in quarters and then sliced.
-- Hard candies, including jelly beans
-- Nuts
-- Chunks of peanut butter or any nut butter. Thinly spread smooth nut butter on a cracker or bread should be okay.
-- Popcorn
-- Raw carrots, celery, green beans
-- Seeds including pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds
-- Whole grapes or cherry tomatoes. Cut into quarters should be okay.
-- Large chunks of any food including potatoes, raw fruits, raw vegetables, and meat

Who is in control? See my guest blog post about how to deal with picky eaters and more at Enriching Your Kid blogspot.

Links to Nutrition Notes

Making special occasion eating simple and healthy.

Tip for controlling eating during the holidays

Pomegranates

Suggestions if a child won't eat vegetables.