We've all been there: your child returns from an afternoon playdate feeling jittery, nervous and emotional. No, Junior didn't get in a fight with his best friend forever – he's probably just coming down from a sugar high.

While it's possible to control and regulate what your children consumes in your home, having a say in what your son or daughter eats while visiting friends is another story. We all want our children to have fun, but how can you let the games begin and encourage your child to extend their healthy eating habits beyond your front door?

  1. Pack a fun, easy snack for your child to take along to playdates. When you send enough for your kid’s friend, not only will the hosting parent love you that much more, but you'll be able to rest easy knowing that your child is having a good time and not filling up on cheesy puffs.  Some options include: turkey and cheese sandwiches cut into fours and veggie sticks with a trio of exciting dips.
  2. Graciously let the host parent know of any specific dietary restrictions your child has at least two days before the playdate is scheduled to take place. It's hard for a mom to run out and get gluten-free, no-sugar, dairy-free snacks for kids 5 minutes before the event.
  3. If children old enough, remind them to make good eating choices right as they're about to hop out of the car and bound into their best buds’ houses. Chances are, they won't pass on the double-fudge-dipped-in-caramel cookies (who would?), but maybe they'll have one treat instead of five.
  4. Give children a balanced meal before they leave home. With a dish full of whole grains, protein and veggies or fruits in their bellies, there won't be a lot of room for much else.
  5. Relax. When you see the telltale orange soda ring around your kids’ mouths or the suspiciously blue tongue as they walk through your front door, know that a little culinary indiscretion is all part of growing up.  Then bring out the spinach!


Below are a few transportable playdate recipes. Whip them up and pack them in a clear container with a friendly Thank You note for the hosting parent.

 

Pizza on Rye
  • 8 oz Tomato sauce
  • 1/4 ts Basil
  • 1/8 ts Oregano
  • 5 Or 6 slices of rye toast
  • 8 oz Sliced mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese

Mix the tomato sauce, basil and oregano and spread on 5 or 6 slices of rye toast. Divide the 8 ounces of sliced mozzarella among the pizzas. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and broil until bubbly. For variety, I top my pizza with onions, pepperoni, and sometimes canned shrimp.


Tastybaby Bollywod Baby Dip
Ingredients

  • Various organic vegetables, cut up into dip-size pieces
  • 2 containers of Bollywood Baby frozen organic baby food, defrosted
  • 1 container of organic cream cheese

To make our dip, combine 2 parts Tastybaby’s Bollywood Baby flavor & 1 part organic cream cheese.  Stir until smooth.  Serve with farm-fresh organic veggies and enjoy!